National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the apex child rights body, has directed the Government of Uttar Pradesh to file an FIR and initiate legal action against renowned Islamic educational institution, Darul Uloom Deoband. This happened following the discovery of alleged objectionable content on its website, stated a report in PTI.
Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson, NCPCR, wrote a letter to the senior superintendent of police (SSP) of the Saharanpur District, talking about the commission's concern regarding a fatwa published on the Deoband's website.
What is the fatwa about?
The fatwa in question discusses the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind and allegedly glorifies "martyrdom in the context of India's invasion".
"This fatwa is exposing children to hatred against one's own country and eventually causing them unnecessary mental or physical suffering," said Kanoongo in the letter, emphasising the alleged violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The NCPCR, invoking Section 13(1) of the CPCR Act, 2005, emphasised the potential for such content to incite hatred against the nation.
Giving legal references like the Kanhaiya Kumar vs the State of NCT of Delhi case, NCPCR underlined the gravity of expressions that could be construed as an offence against the state.
Furthermore, the letter noted the commission's previous attempts to address similar concerns with the district administration in January 2022 and July 2023.
Despite these efforts, no action has been taken thus far, the NCPCR said and asserted that the district administration could be held responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the dissemination of such content.
In light of these developments, the NCPCR directed the initiation of legal proceedings against Darul Uloom Deoband under the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The commission requested an action-taken report to be submitted within three days.
