Jammu and Kashmir High Court Seeks Response on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Prolonged House Arrest
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued a notice to the union territory administration, seeking its stance on the house arrest of Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, which has been ongoing since August 2019.
Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, a prominent religious cleric and political leader, was among several political figures detained in the lead-up to the Central government’s decision to amend the application of Article 370 of the Constitution, thereby revoking the special status previously granted to Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq has been under house arrest since that time.
Nazir Ahmad Ronga, Farooq’s lawyer, informed the court that his client has been
“illegally and unauthorisedly”
confined at his Nigeen residence without any official order or legal authority. Ronga argued that this confinement violates Farooq’s fundamental right to life, as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Despite previous legal notices urging the government to release Farooq from this “illegal” confinement, no action has been taken.
Ronga further highlighted Farooq’s significant role as the religious head,
“Mirwaiz-E-Kashmir”,
emphasizing his continuous efforts to promote good values and combat societal issues. The court was informed of Farooq’s global recognition for his contributions. Ronga argued,
“By confining him, he has been deprived of carrying out his noble mission. Thousands of people are also deprived of listening to his inspiring sermons on important religious occasions, including during the holy month of Ramadhan.”
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has granted the administration a four-week window to file its response to the petition. The writ petition also seeks an order directing the administration to
“lift the siege outside”
Farooq’s residence at Nigeen Hazratbal.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, of which Farooq is the president, stated that he has been barred from offering prayers and addressing the congregation at the central Jamia Masjid for 212 consecutive Fridays. This prolonged house arrest led to the filing of the writ petition, demanding his release.
Counsel Representation:
- For Mirwaiz Umar Farooq: Nazir Ahmad Ronga.