HC Extends Interim Protection Granted to Delhi Minorities Panel Head Zafarul Islam

On Monday, the High Court of Delhi extended till July 31 the interim protection granted to Delhi Minorities Commission chairperson Zafarul Islam in connection with the FIR registered over his alleged "seditious" statements on social media.

A bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, while extending the interim protection, directed Delhi Police to serve a copy of the status report filed in the matter to the petitioner.

The Court passed the directions while hearing the anticipatory bail filed by Khan through advocate Vrinda Grover apprehending his arrest in the case.

The petition said that Zafarul Islam Khan is a law-abiding senior citizen of India, a public servant serving as the Chairperson of the Delhi Minorities Commission, a scholar, author of repute, & a senior citizen aged about 72 years.

The plea said that no offence has been committed by him & that the present FIR has been registered with a mala fide intention to harass & intimidate Khan.

It said that the FIR against the petitioner is misconceived, being made on a misrepresentation of facts & an erroneous, untenable reading of the law. As such, it does not warrant the curtailment of liberty & dignity of the petitioner, which is his guaranteed right under Articles 19 & 21 of the Constitution of India, the plea said.

Notably, Zafarul Islam Khan had last week appeared before the Special Cell of Delhi Police for questioning in connection with the case related to his controversial remark after being asked to join the interrogation.

He had earlier told the Cyber Cell probing the case that it can't compel him to go to any police station because of his old age & as he suffers from old-age related physical illnesses. However, he said that he is available & ready to co-operate in the probe at his home & the police can question him there.

Meanwhile, the High Court of Delhi had earlier disposed of a plea seeking removal of the Delhi Commission of Minorities chairman Zafarul Islam Khan over his alleged 'seditious & hateful' statement on social media.

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