Indian Muslim body slams police denial of protest against rights violations

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has criticised Delhi Police for denying permission for a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, calling the decision a curb on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

The board issued a statement on Friday, a day before the demonstration was scheduled to take place, reports Times of India.

The demonstration was to mark the first phase of the board’s nationwide ‘Save the Constitution, Save the Nation’ campaign. The board said the wider campaign would proceed across India despite the denial.

The campaign aims to spotlight a range of concerns including alleged violations of the fundamental rights of marginalized communities and minorities, particularly Muslims, as well as incidents of mob lynching and attacks on life, property and dignity.

It also seeks to highlight concerns over what the board described as ‘bulldozer action’ against mosques, madrasas and Muslim neighbourhoods, restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, the protection of Muslim Personal Law and moves toward a uniform civil code.

The board said the campaign aims to build public awareness of constitutional rights, protect democratic and secular values, and strengthen justice, liberty, equality, human dignity and fraternity across the country.

Board spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas personally visited Parliament Street police station three times over the preceding 10 days and assured officials that the number of participants would stay within permitted limits, the statement said.

Despite the assurances, police withdrew permission, citing concerns that the turnout could exceed the permitted number, it added.

The board described the decision as ‘unilateral and inappropriate,’ saying it had organised several peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in the past while complying with all official conditions.