Deepali Kalia-
Supreme Court bench comprising Justices RF Nariman, BR Gavai and KM Joseph dismissed as withdrawn an application filed by Syed Wasim Rizvi, former Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board chairman which sought a waiver of costs of Rs 50,000.
The waiver cost was imposed on him for filing a petition seeking removal of about 26 verses from The Quran which he claimed preached violence against non-believers.
It was claimed by the plea filed by Syed Wasim Rizvi that the aforementioned verses from Quran were used as justifications by the Islamic terrorist organizations in order to terrorize and attack non-believers.
When questioned by the Bench if he was seriously considering pressing the petition, Senior Advocate R K Raizada, appearing on behalf Rizvi replied that the prayer was confined to the regulation of Madrassa education.
“My submission is that these preachings advocate violence against non-believers. Children are kept in captivity at madrasas at a tender age. Students are not to be indoctrinated. These preachings cannot be in the marketplace of ideas. I have written to the Central Government for action, but nothing has happened… Central Govt and Madrasa Boards may be called upon to ensure what steps are taken to avoid literal teaching of verses advocating violence”, Raizada stated before the Bench.
However, On April 12 stating that it was “ an absolutely frivolous writ petition” the Bench headed by Justice RF Nariman had dismissed the writ petition and imposed costs of Rs 50,000 which were directed to be deposited before the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
The counsel representing Rizvi had informed the Bench that he had been discharged by Rizvi from the case and that latter had filed a separate review petition against the judgment.
Justice Nariman then asked when Rizi was going to pay the costs to which the counsel again expressed that as he was discharged he couldn’t answer.
The counsel consequently sought permission to withdraw the petition following which the Bench dismissed the petition as withdrawn.
