SC declines permission to carry out Muharram procession across country

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to pass orders on a plea seeking directions to allow Muharram processions across the country.

Refusing to entertain the plea, the court observed that allowing the procession would lead to chaos and the targeting of a particular community for spreading Covid-19.

A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde said it will not pass orders that could risk the health of many people.


“You (petitioner’s advocate) are asking for vague directions for the whole community in the country. Jagannath Puri case was one specific place where the Rath was to go from point A to B. If it is one specific place we can assess the danger and pass orders,” the bench told the advocate appearing for the petitioner.

“We cannot pass general orders. It is not possible to give general directions. It will create chaos and a particular community will be targeted for spreading Covid-19,” said Bobde.

The Supreme Court told the petitioner Sipte Mohammad that he may approach the Allahabad High Court. This was after Mohammad asked if permission can only be granted for Lucknow since many from the Shia community reside there.