The Supreme Court Rejects Urgent Hearing of Petition Against Controversial Mahapanchayat In the midst of escalating communal tensions in Uttarakhand’s Purola town, Hindu organizations have called for a mahapanchayat on June 15. However, the Supreme Court refused to grant an urgent hearing of a petition seeking to prevent the mahapanchayat. The court directed the petitioner to approach the Uttarakhand High Court first.
Hindu Mahapanchayat Amid Communal Tensions in Uttarakhand’s Purola Faces Legal Hurdle
The denial of permission for the mahapanchayat by the Uttarakashi district administration comes after the emergence of posters in Purola threatening Muslim traders to shut down their shops and leave the state by June 15. Despite the denial, the organizers have yet to call off the event. In response, Muslim organizations have also scheduled a mahapanchayat in Dehradun on June 18.
The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed disapproval of bypassing the judicial process and advised the petitioner to approach the Uttarakhand High Court first. The bench emphasized that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the administration and pertains to law and order. Advocate Shahrukh Alam, representing the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, sought an urgent hearing, referring to previous Supreme Court directives against hate speech. Alam highlighted the ultimatum given to a particular community to leave the place before the mahapanchayat and urged the court to take immediate action.
However, the bench reiterated its stance, questioning the lack of trust in the high court and the administration. It urged the petitioner to have faith in the existing judicial system and approach the district administration and the high court for appropriate relief. Eventually, Alam chose to withdraw the petition from the Supreme Court and was granted the liberty to approach the suitable authorities and the Uttarakhand High Court.
As the proceedings concluded, Alam requested that the court hold the administration responsible if any untoward incident occurred at the mahapanchayat. However, the bench declined the request, emphasizing that the petitioner should pursue the matter with the high court.
The communal tensions in Purola arose on May 26 when a 14-year-old girl was allegedly targeted for abduction by two men, one Muslim and one Hindu. The incident led to allegations of love jihad by right-wing groups, although the term is not officially recognized by courts or the Union government. The accused individuals were subsequently arrested, but right-wing groups staged protests and targeted shops and houses belonging to Muslims.
Devastating Blow: Supreme Court Rejects Urgent Hearing of Plea Against Uttarakhand Mahapanchayat Amidst Controversy
The Supreme Court, in a separate hearing on April 28, directed police chiefs across states and Union territories to file suo motu cases against hate speeches, warning of contempt action if the directive was not followed. The court acknowledged the need to extend its previous direction, issued in October 2022 for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, to the entire country. It emphasized that hate speech is an offense affecting the fabric of the nation and called for the criminal prosecution of all individuals involved, regardless of their religion.
In conclusion, the controversial mahapanchayat in Purola faces a legal hurdle as the Supreme Court rejects an urgent hearing of a petition seeking to prevent the event amidst communal tensions. The court directs the petitioner to approach the Uttarakhand High Court and emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in the judicial system and seeking relief through the appropriate legal channels.
In the wake of escalating communal tensions in Purola town, Uttarakhand, various Hindu organizations have announced a mahapanchayat to be held on June 15. However, the Supreme Court has declined to grant an urgent hearing for a petition seeking to prevent the mahapanchayat. Instead, the court has directed the petitioner to first approach the Uttarakhand High Court to address the matter.
The Uttarakashi district administration recently denied permission for the mahapanchayat following the emergence of provocative posters in Purola, which threatened Muslim traders to close their shops and leave the state by June 15. Despite the denial, the organizers of the event have yet to cancel it. In response, Muslim organizations have also planned a mahapanchayat in Dehradun on June 18.
