A local court in Lucknow, presided over by Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi, has recently voiced serious concerns regarding the conduct of some Muslim lawyers who have been leaving court proceedings to offer Namaz, particularly on Fridays.
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During the hearing of a criminal trial involving accused Maulana Kalimuddin and others, related to an illegal religious conversion case, the court observed that lawyers must remember that “work is worship” and should accord due respect to their judicial responsibilities. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity and continuity of judicial proceedings.
The situation came to light when advocates Mohammad Amir Naqwi and Jiya-ul-Jilani, representing the accused, requested permission to leave the proceedings around 12:30 pm for Friday’s Namaz. The court initially expressed reluctance to grant permission for such a purpose, highlighting the need for uninterrupted legal proceedings. However, the trial had to be adjourned under compelling circumstances.
In response to this recurring issue, the court has taken a decisive stance. It ordered the provision of amicus curiae (friend of the court) to represent the accused if Muslim lawyers continue to absent themselves for offering Namaz. This measure is intended to ensure that the trial proceedings are not disrupted.
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Furthermore, the court rejected a plea by some lawyers seeking specific documents and warned them to file any applications within the stipulated time frame. This directive underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining order and efficiency in the judicial process.
The court’s directive for the appointment of amicus curiae serves as a warning to Muslim lawyers representing some accused. It stresses that if the practice of leaving the courtroom for offering Namaz continues, it could hinder the completion of the trial.
This development in the Lucknow court highlights the delicate balance between religious practices and professional duties, especially in the context of the legal profession where the timely and uninterrupted conduct of proceedings is crucial.
