Uttarkashi communal tensions | Petition in Supreme Court to place an immediate ban on mahapanchayat
The Hindu
A petition has been filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding an immediate ban on proposed mahapanchayat by right-wing groups at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. Terming it an attempt to incite communal riots, the petitioners have asked the SC to intervene in the matter.
Delhi University professor Apoorvanand Jha and poet Ashok Vajpeyi on June 13 filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding an immediate ban on proposed mahapanchayat by right-wing groups at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand on June 15. Terming it an attempt to incite communal riots, the petitioners have asked the SC to intervene in the matter.
After a series of hate speeches made in Dharam Sansad organised in Haridwar in 2021, the SC, last year, had asked the State to “take corrective measures” against peddling of communal hate during events involving religious groups.
Also Read | Waqf Board appeals to CM Dhami to ensure safety of Muslims
“If the mahapanchayat is allowed to happen, it could lead to a boil in communal tensions in the State,” the petitioners said, adding that an urgent judicial intervention is required “to protect the life, limb, and property” of those under attack and against whom the mahapanchayat has been scheduled to be held.
The petitioners have also urged the top court to issue directions to the State Government to take necessary steps to protect the lives of those under threat and provide adequate compensation to those who have been forced to leave their shops and homes.
“It is respectfully submitted that such events are an anathema to the rule of law and cannot be countenanced in a parliamentary democracy. They threaten the very secular fabric which binds the country together,” the petition stated.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand police are planning to impose Section 144 in the town to prevent any gathering during the mahapanchayat.
Amol Palekar advocates against pre-censorship in films and theatre, urging the government to protect artists' freedom of expression.
BJP legislators demand release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, threatening protests and border blockade if demands not met.
Odisha loses 790 elephants in a decade, with electrocution as the leading cause of unnatural deaths.
ASI issues notice to halt construction at Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt near Rameshwara temple in Shivamogga.
Madurai High Court orders removal of encroachments along Madurai-Dindigul highway, Corporation and Highways Department officials conduct joint operation.
Maharashtra Congress chief initiates signature campaign for return of ballot papers, sparking nationwide debate on EVMs.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari on Wednesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake periodical maintenance of NH66 without giving room for complaints.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw updates Lok Sabha on Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. shareholding, Goa willing to relinquish.
One dies, eight hospitalised after inhaling HCL fumes at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. About 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank at Unit-III of the company, which affected nine workers, says Collector. While the condition of six of them is stable, two are on ventilator support. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims. Home Minister Anitha expresses anger over repeated such incidents.
Parents and social workers in Thoothukudi request new Anganwadi buildings due to unsafe conditions in current rental buildings.
Delta districts face heavy rainfall, prompting coordinated efforts to mitigate damages, with NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations.