The Allahabad High Court became the epicenter of legal battles surrounding the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. A series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed, questioning the role of authorities and the actions of the police during the unrest near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, which left five people dead and over 20 police officers injured.
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Uttar Pradesh: The Allahabad High Court emerged as the focal point of a series of legal battles following the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. These incidents, which erupted near the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and injuries to more than 20 police officers.
The unrest has triggered multiple Public Interest Litigations (PILs), each raising critical questions about the role of authorities and law enforcement in managing the situation.
Calls for a CBI Probe Into the Sambhal Violence
One of the PILs has been filed by petitioner Anand Prakash Tiwari, who has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the November 24 violence. The petition, submitted through advocates Imran Ullah and Vineet Vikram, urges the court to investigate those responsible for orchestrating the protests and examine whether state officials were complicit in any way.
The plea stresses the importance of accountability, stating the need to prevent such incidents in the future.
FIRs and Arrests Sought Against Key Officials
In a separate PIL, the Hazrat Khawaja Garib Nawaz Welfare Association has taken aim at the local administration, demanding that First Information Reports (FIRs) be lodged against high-ranking officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.
The petition, filed through advocates Saher Naqvi and Mohd Arif, also seeks the immediate arrest of these officials for their alleged mishandling of the situation.
The plea accuses the district authorities of failing to uphold law and order during the protests.
Allegations of Police Excessive Force
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has brought its own PIL, highlighting concerns over police actions during the unrest. This petition alleges the Uttar Pradesh Police used excessive force, resulting in significant human rights violations.
The APCR has called for an independent investigation to determine the validity of these claims and ensure justice for any victims of police misconduct.
Caveat Petition Filed by Hindu Respondents
Adding to the complexity of the legal proceedings, a caveat petition has been submitted on behalf of Hindu respondents, represented by advocate Hari Shankar Jain. The caveat requests the High Court to refrain from issuing any orders in response to an anticipated petition by the Muslim side.
This expected petition would challenge a November 20 directive by the Sambhal civil judge, which called for a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Advocate Hari Shankar Jain has alleged that the mosque stands on the site of an ancient Harihar temple, further fueling tensions in the case.
Jama Masjid Committee to Challenge Survey Order
The Jama Masjid Committee in Sambhal has indicated its intention to contest the district court’s November 20 survey order. Zafar Ali, the committee’s chief, announced,
“We are in the process of preparing the petition and will move the High Court in the next few days.”
This development comes in the wake of a Supreme Court directive to halt trial proceedings until the committee’s plea against the survey is heard by the High Court.
A Broader Reflection of Communal Tensions
The Allahabad High Court now faces the task of addressing these interconnected legal challenges, which underscore deeper issues of governance and communal tensions in the region.
Each PIL brings to light critical questions about accountability, law enforcement, and the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil rights.
As the High Court prepares to deliberate on these matters, its rulings will undoubtedly have significant implications for the legal, social, and political landscape of Sambhal and beyond.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Sambhal Violence
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