Mumbai | Oct 14, 2025:
The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the Maharashtra government to clarify its stand on the arrest of James Watson, a US-based tech professional, accused of “hurting religious sentiments” during a Christian prayer meeting in Bhiwandi, Thane.

Watson, an IT contractor living in Thane and working in Pune, filed a petition claiming he was merely attending a private prayer gathering when members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly stormed in and later filed a complaint against him.

The FIR, lodged by Bajrang Dal member Ravindra Bhurkut, accused Watson and two others — Sainath Sarpe and Manoj Kolha — of denigrating Hinduism and promoting conversion by claiming that Hindu beliefs were “based on blind faith.” The complaint also alleged the group claimed illnesses could be cured through “divine healing” involving children.

Police booked the trio under sections relating to hurting religious sentiments, inhuman religious practices, and violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, as Watson had participated in a religious event while on a business visa.

A division bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed the state to file its response to the petition.