Hindu Mahapanchayat in Purola called off: Uttarakhand government to Uttarakhand High Court

The State government of Uttarakhand informed the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday that a Hindu Mahapanchayat that was set to be held in Purola by Hindutva organisations, and over which concerns over possible hate speech were raised, has been called off..The Mahapanchayat was slated to be held today and had led to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition before the High Court on concerns that it would stoke communal tensions in the State. .Upon being informed that the event is being called off, a division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal orally told the State counsel, "We appreciate this step. But you still must maintain peace."The Court also sought a detailed response from the State government on the issue within three weeks. .During the hearing today, advocate Shahrukh Alam, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the narrative seeking removal of certain communities from the area has been replicated and multiplied in public rallies, social media, and the TV channel Sudarshan. "The DM, in not taking action, is in breach of the Supreme Court’s direction and sections of the IPC and UAPA. Its a threat to unity and harmony", she further submitted. In fact, Alam drew attention to a Muslim mahapanchayat scheduled for later this week, stating that both events could lead to immediate physical violence and needed to be addressed. .Additionally, she sought a direction from the Court to the State to register First Information Reports against those who made calls leading to potential communal tensions.However, the Court refused to entertain this prayer, reasoning that such a direction would put undue influence on the concerned statutory authorities and Courts..Nonetheless, the Bench emphasised that it was the State's paramount duty to ensure that law and order and peace is maintained and that there is no loss of life and property of any person."We direct respondents to take whatever steps necessary to fulfil this Constitutional obligation," the Court stated..All concerned parties were also directed to refrain from participating in social media and television debates on the issue, with a view to normalise the situation."We would not like flare up on social media of allegations and counter allegations. Or debates on television," the Bench remarked orally. .The petition before the High Court was filed by NGO, Association for Protection of Civil Rights yesterday. The case was initially mentioned before the Supreme Court yesterday. A vacation bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the top court asked the petitioner to approach the High Court first and also said that the petitioner should repose trust in High Court.The petitioner then withdrew the plea with liberty to move the High Court..According to reports, tensions escalated in the State after two youths, one Hindu and other Muslim, were accused of abducting a minor Hindu girl.The incident happened on May 26 and on the same day, the accused were sent to custody. The police have invoked various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) against the accused..[Read our live-coverage of the hearing below].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.