Advocate Prakash Salsingikar, who has been interested in social work since his student days, was active in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his college life.
Initially, he worked for ABVP in Bhusawal.
It was here that his skills and potential were recognised, and he was given the responsibility for Mumbai. Here, he worked in various colleges across Girgaon, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar, and other areas under the ABVP. His inherent qualities of sincerity, collaboration, humility, positivity, and perseverance earned him the trust of students.
During this time, he took the initiative in several constructive activities on campus. From his student days, he has continued working for society and the Nation without looking back. He has furthered this mission by becoming a lawyer. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Advocate Council of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the Konkan region.
In doing so, he has played a crucial role in uniting lawyers. With a law degree in hand, Adv. Salsingikar has not only committed himself to social and national service but has also inspired young lawyers to do the same selflessly. His efforts are unique not just in Maharashtra, but across the country. Let's explore his inspirational work through this article.
Adv. Prakash Salsingikar1. Legal battle against obscenity in films
In 2022, Mahesh Manjrekar's Marathi film 'Nay Varan Bhat Loncha, Kon Nay Koncha' was released. The trailer contained scenes that were highly damaging to social values, depicting extreme violence and obscenity among students, along with vulgar dialogues. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar filed a case under the POCSO Act against the filmmakers. As a result, they were compelled to remove certain violent and obscene scenes and dialogues. The notice served on this film helped set a precedent against future depictions of vulgarity and violence.
Hindutva Warriors
The sacrifice of the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation & Dharma.
The 'Hindutva Warriors' is a series of Articles that sheds light on their lives and struggles to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that this serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing the 'Hindu Rashtra' and inspires many others. - Editor
2. Protecting Indian culture from misrepresentation in advertisements of Karva Chauth
An advertisement by Dabur for a face cream showed a Karva Chauth scene, where instead of a wife seeing her husband's face after moonrise, a woman was shown seeing another woman's face. This was seen as an affront to Indian cultural traditions. Adv. Salsingikar sent a legal notice in this regard, leading to the advertisement being pulled from various media channels. This action helped curb immorality and deviance.
3. Stopped defamation of RSS through films
In the Hindi film 'Mumbai Saga', released in March 2021, the RSS, which toils hard to serve the Nation, was portrayed incorrectly. A character named Bhau was shown as being associated with the RSS and as controlling the Mumbai Police. The film also depicted this individual as recruiting his own people into the Mumbai Police. Opposing this scene, which defamed the RSS despite having no basis in reality, RSS volunteer Mahesh Bhingarde, through Adv. Salsingikar, sent a legal notice to the film's producers. As a result, the producers blurred the objectionable scene. This legal battle, fought to prevent the defamation of a Hindu and nationalist organisation, proved encouraging and morale-boosting for all supporters of Hindutva.
4. Through legal battle, prevented misrepresentation of Shriram and glorification of Ravan in a film
In the Hindi film 'Ravan Leela', starring Pratik Gandhi, a scene based on the Ramayan depicted a backstage conversation between the characters playing Shriram and Ravan. In this scene, the actor portraying Ravan tells the actor playing Shriram - 'Shriram insulted and disrespected Seeta', thus portraying Ravan as superior and Shriram in the wrong. Instead of glorifying virtues, the film seemed to promote negative values. Adv. Salsingikar sent a legal notice to the film's producers. As a result, the film's title was changed from 'Ravan Leela' to 'Bhavai', and the objectionable scenes were removed. This legal battle created public awareness against the wrongful glorification of Ravan, leading to the audience's rejection of the film, which eventually flopped. It sent a strong message to the film industry that disrespecting Hindu Deities can lead to public backlash and financial losses. This helped curb the trend of depicting inappropriate content.
5. Legal notice against advert defaming advocates
In an advertisement by KEI Wires, a short circuit occurs in an advocate's house, causing him to sleep in the courtroom. Due to this, the accused he is representing gets convicted, and the accused later assaults the advocate. Though the advertisement promoted using KEI wires to prevent shortcircuits, it tarnished the image of advocates. Adv.Salsingikar sent a legal notice against this. Consequently, the company had to withdraw the advertisement.
6. Legal action against disrespecting Saints in a TV serial
In the Marathi TV series 'Tharala Tar Mag', a woman names her dog Chinnu, and a scene mentions that Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati and the dog share the same birthday. This comparison between the Saint and a dog was highly objectionable. Adv. Salsingikar sent a legal notice to the producers of the serial. Chinmaya Mission also warned of legal action. As a result, the objectionable content was removed from the series.
7. Promoting social harmony through Interfaith Marriage Coordination Committee
Recognising his social work, the Government of Maharashtra appointed Adv. Salsingikar as a member of the Interfaith Marriage Couples and Parents Coordination Committee. Through this platform, he helped re-establish broken family ties resulting from interfaith marriages. Many parents were reunited with their children, contributing to the promotion of social harmony.
8. Free legal defence to those who were falsely accused in the Best Bakery case
In 2002, during the Best Bakery case in Gujarat, 21 innocent people were falsely accused of involvement in a mob attack that killed 14 people. Although acquitted by the Gujarat Court, the Supreme Court ordered a retrial in Maharashtra. Adv. Salsingikar and his team fought the case free-of-charge on behalf of the accused. After spending 18 years in jail, the accused were acquitted by the Mumbai Sessions Court due to the strong defence presented by Adv. Salsingikar and his colleagues.
9. Legal battle against the conspiracy to frame devout Hindus in Dr Dabholkar murder case
In the murder of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANiS) head Dr Narendra Dabholkar, investigating agencies repeatedly tried to implicate several devout Hindus. These agencies often presented contradictory evidence. Adv. Salsingikar exposed these inconsistencies in Court and played a key role in defending the accused. As a result, three of the accused were acquitted. He and his colleagues continue to fight for the acquittal of the remaining accused, revealing the conspiracy against devout Hindus.
10. Releasing over 600 inmates trapped due to financial constraints
Many prisoners remain incarcerated simply because they cannot afford good legal representation. This often leads to them being drawn into criminal activities inside jails. To prevent this and help them start afresh, the organisation 'Dard Se Hamdard Tak' provided competent lawyers to such inmates. Over the years, the organisation has successfully helped release over 600 inmates. Today, over 70 advocates are associated with this initiative, offering free legal aid to financially weak and underrepresented individuals. This also provides opportunities to talented young lawyers while helping the underprivileged rebuild their lives.
11. Thousands of citizens benefited across the State
'Dard Se Hamdard Tak' also conducts counselling for prisoners. Under the initiative 'Vakil Aaplya Dari' (Lawyer at Your Doorstep), the organisation operates a mobile Court van offering legal assistance to citizens in various parts of the State. A helpline number has also been made available. Elderly citizens facing family issues have especially benefited. The organisation also helps victims falsely accused under the POCSO Act.
Honoured by the Governor
Acknowledging his social contributions, the then Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan felicitated Adv. Salsingikar. Many prominent personalities have praised his and the organisation 'Dard Se Hamdard Tak's efforts. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari also appreciated Adv. Salsingikar and his team of fellow advocates.