Kareena Eugene
On the 12th of April 2021, Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea that sought to remove 26 verses from the Muslim Holy Book, Quran. The Supreme Court fined the petitioner ₹50,000 and called the Plea “absolutely frivolous”.
In Rizvi’s petition, he claimed that certain verses of the Quran which he said are used as “justifications” by Islamist terrorist groups.
This action was heavily excoriated by the members of the Muslim community and held several protests against his Plea in March.
In Rizvi’s petition, he also claimed that certain verses would act as threats to the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of the Country and must be declared unconstitutional, non-functional and non-effective.
Rizvi had also prayed for a Committee of religious experts to be appointed to get the opinion on the matter of the petition in the larger public interest. He also sought that the Government be directed its policy on present issue or consider passing an appropriate legislation if the Court deems it fit.
The Supreme Court in the beginning asked whether he was serious about the petition and whether he wanted to press for a hearing. His lawyer insisted to argue the case. After a brief hearing the Court dismissed the Plea with a fine.