AIMPLB Objects to Denial of Permission for Jantar Mantar Dharna
Board says “Save the Constitution, Save the Nation” campaign will continue despite last minute refusal
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed strong objection to the Delhi Police’s reported decision to deny permission for its proposed dharna at Jantar Mantar, describing the move as a restriction on peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
According to the Board, Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson of the AIMPLB and convenor of the “Save the Constitution, Save the Nation” Campaign, visited Parliament Street Police Station three times over the past ten days. The Board said he had assured police officials that the number of participants would remain within the prescribed limit.
The AIMPLB said permission was withdrawn a day before the scheduled programme on the grounds that the police anticipated the participation of a large number of people. The Board described the decision as unilateral and inappropriate, noting that it had previously organised demonstrations at Jantar Mantar while complying with the prescribed conditions.
The proposed dharna was planned as the first phase of the Board’s nationwide campaign. The AIMPLB said the campaign seeks to raise awareness about constitutional rights, incidents of mob violence, alleged attacks on the lives and property of minorities, actions affecting religious institutions, religious and cultural freedoms, Muslim Personal Law and other issues that it considers important to constitutional rights.
The Board has also raised concerns over the proposed expansion of the Uniform Civil Code. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on September 13 that he expected the UCC to be implemented in all 21 BJP led NDA states before 2029.
The AIMPLB said it views protection of Muslim Personal Law as an important religious and constitutional issue. It also expressed concern over proposals relating to the mandatory singing of all stanzas of Vande Mataram, arguing that compulsory rendition of a particular song raises questions concerning religious freedom and civil liberties.
The Board further said that issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, farmers’ concerns and crimes against women require greater public attention. It argued that public debate should also remain focused on these social and economic concerns.
According to the AIMPLB, the objective of the “Save the Constitution, Save the Nation” Campaign is to create awareness about constitutional rights and promote democratic and secular values, along with justice, liberty, equality, human dignity and fraternity.
The Board stated that despite the denial of permission for the proposed Jantar Mantar dharna, the nationwide campaign will continue according to its planned programme.
Speakers at the Press Conference
Maulana Ubaidullah Khan Azmi, Vice President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
Syed Saadatullah Husaini, Vice President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Ameer, Jamaat E Islami Hind
Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, Vice President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Ameer, Jamiat Ahle Hadees
Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
Maulana Muhammad Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, Secretary, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama E Hind
Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas, Spokesperson, All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Convenor, “Save the Constitution, Save the Nation” Campaign