Allahabad HC declines to hear PIL against police action over display of portraits of Khamenei, other Iranian leaders

The Allahabad High Court recently declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to prevent police action against people peacefully displaying portraits of Iran-based Shia spiritual leaders [Majlis Ulema-E-Hind v State of UP].

A Division Bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla said the pleadings contained “general and vague averments” regarding police interference and removal of posters of certain religious leaders of Iran.

The Court added that the petitioner gave no specific instance of any action with respect to any house or premises where the poster was pasted or installed.

“On such vague and general averments a Public Interest Litigation cannot be maintained nor proceeded with. If there is any specific cause against any such police person under any provision of law, then the remedy prescribed in this regard can be availed, but we see no reason to consider such an omnibus prayer based on such averments,” the Court said on July 7.

The plea filed by the Majlis Ulema-E-Hind alleged that the police were removing portraits, banners and visual representations of Iranian leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani from the walls, gates, and precincts of their private residential properties and private commercial establishments.

It also sought protection against any coercive action and detentions.

However, the Court closed the plea as it found it to be vague.

Advocate Mohd Kumail Haider represented the petitioners. 

[Read Order]