Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Maharashtra government on a petition filed by US citizen James Leonard Watson, seeking a declaration that his arrest by the state police was illegal.

No Interim Relief Granted

A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad refused to grant any urgent interim relief, observing that Watson could pursue his bail plea before the trial court instead.

Arrested for Alleged Conversion Attempt

Watson, 58, was arrested on October 3 by the Bhiwandi Taluka Police for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity and hurting religious sentiments. He is presently in judicial custody till October 17.

Wife’s Habeas Corpus Plea Amended

Initially, Watson’s wife, Tracey Garrett Watson, had moved a habeas

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