Aligarh administration to initiate 'contempt proceedings' on adverse comments after Ayodhya verdict

AGRA: The

Aligarh district

administration has decided to initiate 'contempt' proceedings against persons making 'adverse comments or behaviour' on the Supreme Court’s verdict on Babari Masjid, once it is delivered.


While the apex court had ordered on the last day of the arguments of the case that no speculations on the impending judgement should be made, the district administration’s decision to haul people commenting adversely on it after the judgment has come as a surprise to many.

Confirming this,

Aligarh district magistrate

,

CB Singh

, said that no one is allowed to give reaction, which comes in the category of contempt of court. “People can welcome the decision, but they cannot react adversely on it,” said Singh, adding that any such comment on social media, video recorded statement or by taking out procession will be construed as a contempt of the court.

He told TOI that his team will be closely monitoring reactions of people after the verdict is pronounced by the court. “Cases will be lodged and the accused will be arrested and sent to judicial custody for further action,” he said.

The DM said that '

riot control

scheme' has been enforced in the city from Thursday, under which police force and sector magistrates will be available at sensitive spots to ensure that no untoward incident happens. He said, “no one will be allowed to take the law in their hands.”

Meanwhile, Aligarh Shahar

mufti

Mohammad Khalid Hameed issued a statement appealing to the community members that communal harmony should be maintained whatever the decision of the apex court be. He said, he expects his community members to respect and follow his appeal.

He said, “If decision comes on Friday, then no reaction should come out after namaz, whether it is in favour or against the expectations of the Muslims”. Aligarh mayor Mohammad Furkan also appealed to local residents to maintain peace in the town and welcome the Supreme Court’s decision. He advised the people not to indulge in rumour mongering.

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