Image: PTI
Communal clashes were reported from different states – Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and West Bengal – during the celebrations of Ram Navami and even Hanuman Jayanti recently. In most cases violence was triggered when processions of one community passed through another community’s neighbourhood. Now the matter of these clashes has reached the Supreme Court through two Public Interest Litigations (PIL) and one Letter Petition.
The three Petitions have sought different reliefs which include Court monitored investigation or transfer of probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The two PIL’s were filed by Adv. Vishal Tiwari and Adv. Vineet Jindal and the third letter Petition was filed by Adv. Amritpal Singh Khalsa.
What do the Petitioners want?
PIL by Advocate Vishal Tiwari
This PIL had sought directions from the Court to hold up an inquiry into the religious clashes that took place in Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on the Occasion of Ram Navami that took place this year during the month of Ramzan. For this inquiry, Adv. Vishal Tiwari through the PIL, asked the Court to set up a Judicial Enquiry Commission under the Chairmanship of former Chief Justice of India.
The PIL had also sought directions to set up a similar Committee to inquire into the arbitrary action of ‘bull dozer Justice’ in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
As reported by Live Law, “Such actions are absolutely discriminatory and does not fit into the notion of democracy and rule of law. The violation of such individuals are violated under right to life and equality under Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution,” the Petitioner has argued.
PIL by Advocate Vineet Jindal
The PIL filed by Adv. Vineet Jindal had sought directions from the Court that all the cases of communal clashes which broke out in Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh as well as in JNU campus, to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Petition states that on the occasion of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, the devotees in the procession in several states, were targeted by stone pelting and also with gun shots which injured the devotees and also resulted in the communal tension across the country.
The Petition also stated that as there were series of communal events across the country, it is an indication of terror funding with possible links of ISIS and other anti national and international organisations to target Hindu community throughout the country.
As reported by Live Law, “The acts of violence attacking the devotees during procession by Firing and stone pelting and vandalizing vehicles creating communal tension is a threat to the sovereignty of the country and instigate the Hindu community to retaliate as religion forms the essence of the values of the community,” the Petition has stated.
Letter Petition by Advocate Amritpal Singh
The Letter Petition by Adv. Amritpal Singh sought Court’s directions to institute a Court monitored investigation in Jahangirpuri riots and also urged the Court to take suo-motu cognisance. The Petition has contended that the investigation carried by Delhi Police so far was partial, communal and is shielding the perpetrators of the riot.
The Petition states that from the impartial media reports, it is brought to the notice that few armed members who belong to Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra procession were seen entering into the mosque and installing a saffron flag, which was then followed with stone pelting by both communities. In this communal outburst, 7 – 8 Delhi Police Personnel and civilians were severely injured and private property was also damaged.
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