Contempt application filed against DM, SP, Uttarakashi for their alleged failure in taking action against hate speeches in Jama Masjid ,Uttarkashi case
Contempt application filed against DM, SP, Uttarakashi for their alleged failure in taking action against hate speeches in Jama Masjid ,Uttarkashi case
S.M.A.KAZMI
Dehradun , Dec 16
The petitioner in the Jama Masjid, Uttarkashi case have filed contempt application against Uttarkashi District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police for their alleged failure to take action against those who made hate speeches against minority Muslim community at the “Hindu Mahapanchayat” held at Ram Leela grounds, Uttarkashi on December 1, 2024.
Nainital Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit were hearing a writ petition filed by Alpsankhayak Seva Samiti against the State of Uttarakhand, today. Dr. Kartikey Hari Gupta, Counsel for the petitioners, strongly objected and informed the Court that rampant hate-speeches are being made against the Muslim community despite that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already directed that there was no need of any complaint in the cases of hate-speech and the State shall file suo motu FIR in such cases.
In the contempt application, the petitioner pleaded that despite Hon’ble High Court Order to maintain law and order and Hon’ble Supreme Court directions to file F.I.R. against hate-speech even without complaint, the State has failed to prevent hate-speeches against Muslim community. On the other hand the State has assured the Court that law and order is being maintained regarding Jama Masjid, Uttarkashi. The court has fixed December 24, 2024 as the next date of hearing in the case.
In the backdrop of the writ petition, Muslim community of Uttarkashi had also given a representation to the District Superintendent of Police, Uttarkashi to register cases against the organisers of the “Hindu Mahapanchayat” held on December 1, 2024 at Ramleela ground, Uttarkashi for delivering hate speeches against the minority Muslim community.
Ishtiaq Ahmed, President of the Jama Masjid Committee, Uttarkashi in his representation on December 7, 2024 had stated that the permission for holding the “Hindu Mahapanchayat” was given to the Dev Bhoomi Vichar Manch, Uttarkashi on the condition that no hate speech would be delivered. However, Ishtiaq Ahmed alleged that hate speeches were delivered by Telangana legislator T. Raja who was the main speaker at the Mahapanchayat and Anuj Walia, Coordinator of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
The complainant sought registration of cases against the alleged accused under relevant sections of the BNS since the minority Muslim community has been scared and living in a fearful atmosphere. The complaint further said that Anuj Walia in his speech charged that attempts are being made to raise an iIllegal “Mosque” and a terrorist centre is being operated. T. Raja stated that the population of Muslims in Uttarakhand was previously one lakh which has risen to 25 lakh which was far from the truth and fact.
The complainant in another letter to the district police chief pointed that there has been a malicious attempt to target the Muslim community through videos on social media in which they are abused and slighted. He said that despite such viral videos on social media, so action has been taken.
Interestingly, a ‘Hindu Mahapanchayat’ was held against Uttarkashi mosque at Ram Leela grounds in Uttarkashi town of Uttarakhand on December 1,2024, despite an assurance given by the state BJP government to the Nainital High Court against holding of such a gathering.
In the next hearing of the case in the high court on December 5, 2024, the petitioners pointed towards hate speeches being made at the ‘Mahapanchayat’. The court fixed the next date of hearing on December 16, 2024.
Most interestingly, the Uttarakhand government had given permission for the “Hindu Mahapanchayat” despite earlier giving an undertaking in the Nainital High Court that no permission would be granted.
Uttarkashi district administration gave permission with several conditions that included not making any hate speech, not taking out any rally, not obstructing any traffic ,not inciting religious sentiments and maintaining peace.
