Respond to PIL against demonising Muslims: SC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 27

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre and the Press Council of India (PCI) to respond to a petition by Jamiat-Ulma-i-Hind seeking directions to the media and the authorities not to demonise entire Muslim community over spread of Covid-19 due to Nizamuddin Markaz congregation of Tablighi Jamaat.

“Don’t let people instigate... and create law and order issues. These are things that later become problems,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre. The Bench, which specifically wanted to know about alleged violation of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act by news channels, gave two weeks to the Centre and the PCI to respond to the PIL.

As senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing in a connected matter, said the issue should be taken seriously, the CJI said, “We take all matters seriously. Don’t say repeatedly that take these matters seriously.”

Dave said there were lots of fake news on Markaz incident, which had “damaged” the secular fabric of India. “Why is the government silent?” Dave asked.

Contending that these broadcasts amounted to offences under the law, he urged the court to take action against media organisations.

The Supreme Court on April 13 refused to restrain the media from reporting on alleged role of Tablighi Jamaat congregation in spreading Covid in the country.

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