Uttarakhand High Court Directs DM, SP To Secure Uttarkashi Jama Masjid, Take Action Against Hate Speech
Yash Mittal
25 Nov 2024 9:55 PM IST
The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened in the escalating controversy over the Jama Masjid in Uttarkashi, directing authorities to ensure security around the mosque and take strict action against hate speech and demolition threats.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal heard a petition by the Alpsankhayak Seva Samiti (ASS). The court directed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to secure the mosque and prevent violence.
“In the meantime, respondent nos. 2 & 3 are directed to maintain law and order in, and around, the place of worship mentioned in the Writ Petition, and to ensure that no untoward incident happens by any person till the next date of listing.”, the court ordered.
The dispute dates back to September 2024, with protests escalating into violent clashes on November 3. Right-wing groups claim the mosque, built in 1969 and registered as a Waqf property in 1987, was constructed on government land. The ASS counters that the mosque stands on legally purchased land and has served as a Sunni Muslim place of worship for over 50 years.
The High Court stressed the importance of maintaining law and order while ensuring the mosque's protection, citing the Supreme Court's guidelines in Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India. In that ruling, the Supreme Court directed authorities to take suo motu action against hate speech, even without formal complaints, and to register cases.
The matter is next scheduled on November 27.
Case Title: ALPSANKHAYAK SEVA SAMITI & ANR. Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND & ORS., WPCRL No. 1275 of 2024
