Shia cleric to appeal against Allahabad HC's order of opening Lucknow's Imambaras

LUCKNOW: Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, who is leading an agitation demanding removal of Chairman of Shia Central Waqf Board Wasim Rizvi today said he will appeal against Allahabad High Court's order directing the district administration to open the locks of Imambaras.

Jawwad also said that the protestors will thwart attempts of opening of locks.

The HC had yesterday directed the district administration and ASI to open the Bara and Chhota Imambaras, which have been locked since June 5 by some locals demanding sacking of Rizvi.

"Imambaras are religious places and not public and as far as contempt of court was concerned, first action should be taken against the district magistrate, who has not complied with several orders, including appointment of Haider Abbas as Chairman of Hussainabad Trust," he told PTI.

He said that as per the Indian Archaeological Act religious heads of Imambaras have rights to decide about activities within their premises.

The district authorities, however, maintained that they will do the needful for implementing the court's directive.

"We are assessing the entire situation and have gone through high court order. Suitable action will be taken soon after taking into consideration all aspects," DM Raj Shekhar said.

Expressing his intention to intensify the agitation, Jawwad said that a Jail Bharo Andolan would be launched after Ramzan, which would continue till 2017 state assembly elections.

On being asked about apprehensions of political meaning being drawn from continuing the agitation till the polls, he said, "No person can say that we are associated with any party. We have staged demonstration against every party, whether its BJP, Congress, BSP of even SP".