MUMBAI: MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday backed off from his threat to shopowners over the Marathi signboards issue after the Bombay High Court stepped in. On Thursday, the High Court gave orders to restrain the MNS chief and his supporters from indulging in violence observing that nobody can "hold the people to ransom".

The court observation appeared to have had a salutary effect on Raj, who said he would be happy if the BMC and the government implemented an old rule stipulating mandatory signboards in Marathi.

"We don't have any desire to take to the street just like that. I will be happy if the government strictly implements the provision for mandatory Marathi signboards," Raj said shortly after the High Court gave relief to thousands of shopkeepers from threats by the MNS.

"I have appealed for peace", Raj said, replying to a query over his earlier warning to shopowners on the signboards issue.

The court in response to an application filed by a few traders' associations restrained Raj and MNS members from "in any manner whatsoever disturbing" the traders in the city from carrying on their business activity, defacing or damaging their business property and assaulting or threatening them.

Justices J N Patel and K K Tated also restrained Raj from giving any provocative or intimidating public speech regarding the issue of Marathi signboards.

Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Associations, along with others, had approached the High Court after the MNS chief warned shopowners to put Marathi signboards by August 28 failing which they would be taught a lesson.

The court also ordered police commissioners of Mumbai and Thane to take 'effective steps' to safeguard the petitioners and to protect them from any act of violence by MNS workers.