The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has requested legal measures and instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Darul Uloom Deoband, an Islamic educational institution situated in Saharanpur, over a fatwa posted on the institution's website.

In a letter addressed to the senior superintendent of police (SSP) of the Saharanpur District, NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo highlighted the commission's concern regarding a fatwa published on the Deoband's website.

According to the NCPCR letter, the fatwa issued by Madrasa Darul Uloom Deoband gives validity to ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ and ‘may lead to hatred against the country’.

In the letter, the commission said that the “fatwa is exposing children to hatred against one’s own country and eventually causing them unnecessary mental or physical suffering.”

Kanoongo highlighted 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.

Referring to legal precedents, including the case of Kanhaiya Kumar vs the State of NCT of Delhi, the commission underlined the gravity of expressions that could be construed as an offense against the state.

Additionally, the letter highlighted the NCPCR's prior efforts to address similar issues with the district administration in both January 2022 and July 2023. Despite these attempts, no remedial action has been taken thus far, as stated by the NCPCR. The commission emphasized that the district administration might be held accountable for any negative repercussions arising 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 has directed the authorities that action be taken against Darul Uloom Deoband. “In the recent matter of fatwa regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind, the Commission u/s 13 (1) of CPCR Act, 2005 directs to take action under IPC and JJ Act, 2015 and an FIR be registered against Darul Uloom Deoband. The Commission requests that an action taken report may be sent to the Commission within three (3) days,” it says.

Following a directive from NCPCR, the District Magistrate of Saharanpur ordered necessary action regarding the fatwa. The District Magistrate wrote to the Senior Superintendent of Police and directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Deoband to take immediate action.

The SDM, CDO and their team have visited the site and effective action will soon be taken against the Islamic institution.

District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra Singh has confirmed that they have received a letter from the NCPCR instructing them to address the fatwa released by Darul Uloom. The Senior Superintendent of Police has been duly informed and instructed. A team comprising SDM Deoband and CDO Deoband has visited the location to assess the directive, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.

Image source: Commons