New Delhi, September 20: Maulana Mahmood Madani, the President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind while reacting to the CBI’s submission in the Supreme Court regarding the alleged hostility of West Bengal courts, emphasized the importance of a robust judiciary. He stated, “A court’s success lies not in punishing the innocent but in ensuring that the true perpetrator of Haren Adhikari’s murder is brought to justice.” He further highlighted Jamiat’s commitment to strengthening the country through advocating justice, asserting that India’s greatness is reflected in providing access to justice for every citizen. The Jamiat is currently providing legal assistance to 13 individuals framed by the CBI in connection with the post-election riots in Kolkata, all of whom are currently on bail granted by the Supreme Court.
Today, the Supreme Court of India strongly criticized the CBI for its request to transfer cases of post-election violence from West Bengal courts to courts outside the state. The court expressed its displeasure regarding the unfounded allegations made by the CBI against the West Bengal judiciary. The CBI sought the transfer of 45 cases, including those involving the 13 Muslim men accused of participating in the post-election violence, which are being defended under Maulana Mahmood Asa’d Madani’s direction.
The incidents date back to May 2, 2021, when Haren Adhikari was brutally assaulted due to political rivalry, ultimately leading to his death. Following this, the police filed cases against 17 individuals, including Qurban, Yunus, Humayun, Raqeeb Mollah, Usman Mollah, Moinuddin, Mumrez Mollah, Reshma Mollah, Supriya Bibi, Sarajul, Saif-ul-Qazi, and Dawood Ali Mollah. Some of the accused had previously secured anticipatory bail from the district court. However, on June 25, 2022, the Calcutta High Court, at the CBI’s recommendation, overturned the anticipatory bail granted by the Baruipur District Magistrate’s Court, leaving the accused without relief. While the violence stemmed from a political rivalry between BJP and TMC workers, communal elements exacerbated the situation, giving it a Hindu-Muslim dimension and resulting in the arrest of several innocent and impoverished Muslim youths.
At the families’ request, advocates appointed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, under Maulana Mahmood Madani’s guidance, filed a special petition (Nos. 10830-10834/2022) in the Supreme Court in November 2022. The court provided interim protection to the accused, allowing them to be summoned for questioning but preventing their arrest by the CBI. On January 4, 2024, the Supreme Court granted bail to the accused. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind was represented by Advocates Syed Mehdi Imam and Muhammad Noorullah, with Advocate Niaz Ahmed Farooqui overseeing the proceedings. Maulana Siddiqullah Choudhury and Mufti Abdus Salam Qasmi have been in contact with the victims.
The CBI filed a petition in the Supreme Court to transfer cases outside West Bengal, alleging hostility in the state’s courts. During the hearing, Justices Abhay S. Oka and Pankaj Mithal reprimanded Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju for these claims, questioning, “Are you suggesting that the judiciary is granting bail illegally?” S.V. Raju admitted to flaws in the petition and requested permission to amend it, but the court dismissed this and demanded a written apology instead of a verbal one. Justice Oka remarked, “Accusing an entire judiciary of dishonesty is unacceptable; district judges cannot defend themselves here.”
