Petition opposes Islamic scholar's visit to Mumbai

MUMBAI, March 15, 2012

The Raza Academy has moved the Bombay High Court to prevent Tahir-ul-Qadri, Islamic scholar, from entering Mumbai or delivering lectures he is scheduled to deliver on Thursday and Friday. Following his petition the court has asked police to submit a report within 24 hours on Mr. Qadri's meetings and engagements.

According to the petition, Mr. Tahi-ul-Qadri who is to speak on “Islam: Religion of Peace” and “Koran and the Supremacy of Prophet Muhammad” can be very provocative and is likely to hurt the sentiments of the people.

It contended that Mr. Qadri is known for his inflammatory speeches and his public address could threaten peace in this commercial capital.

A Division Bench comprising Justices M.V. Kanade and P.D. Kode asked Public Prosecutor Pandurang Pol to give a report to the court by Thursday on whether the police have taken the law and order situation into account.

The Academy has also written to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil to do a background check on Mr. Qadri, terming him a ‘threat to peace' and demanding that he be prevented from visiting Mumbai.

The petitioner claimed that Mr. Qadri is a Pakistani national, who migrated to Canada following threats. He has also allegedly made inflammatory statements on the Kashmir issue.

Source : http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2995923.ece