Following the massive outbreak of the novel coronavirus from the congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat, a letter petition has been sent to the Chief Justice of India seeking a complete ban on the activities of the organization with immediate effect.
The Tablighi Jamaat congregation that took place between the 13th and 15th of March despite the instructions from the Delhi government has resulted in over 1,455 positive cases of COVID-19 in the country. According to the Union Health Ministry, 30 percent of all the cases of coronavirus in India is linked to the Tablighi Jamaat.
Petition to Ban Tablighi Jamaat
A letter petition by Delhi-based Ajay Gautam has sought the direction of both the center and the state government to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the hidden conspiracy of spreading the virus throughout the country intentionally. The petition has sought the demolition of the building of the organization where the Markaz took place under the provision of the MCD Act. The petitioner has also urged the Chief Justice of India to treat it as a writ petition.
Ajay Gautam in his petition has also called for strict action against the officers of police and civil administration who had failed to restrict the event despite the orders from the government that categorically had banned any gatherings of more than 50 people.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind had moved to the Apex court on April 6th alleging that certain media houses are deliberately communalizing the issue of the Tablighi congregation and has sought directions from the central government to put a hold to the fake news and also urged to take strict action against those who intentionally push the narrative.
Through lawyer Ejaz Maqbool, the plea by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has said that the unfortunate incident of the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz has led to the demonization of the Muslim community. It said that a stray incident has been used to blame the entire community. The plea further said that the demonization has posed a serious threat to the life and liberty of Muslims and thereby violating their ‘right to life’ under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Court is yet to hear the matter.
