NCPCR Directs UP Govt to File FIR against Darul Uloom Deoband over Fatwa

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file an FIR and take legal measures against Darul Uloom Deoband, a distinguished Islamic educational institution, subsequent to the unearthing of alleged objectionable content on its website.

In a letter addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Saharanpur District, NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo underscored the commission’s apprehensions concerning a fatwa published on Deoband’s website. The fatwa under scrutiny deliberates on the concept of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ and purportedly extols “martyrdom in the context of India’s invasion”.

Kanoongo stated, “This fatwa is exposing children to hatred against one’s own country and eventually causing them unnecessary mental or physical suffering,” citing the alleged breach of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

Invoking Section 13(1) of the CPCR Act, 2005, NCPCR stressed the potential for such content to incite hatred against the nation. Referring to legal precedents, including the case of Kanhaiya Kumar vs the State of NCT of Delhi, the commission highlighted the gravity of expressions that could be construed as an offense against the state.

Additionally, the letter highlighted the commission’s prior endeavors to address similar concerns with the district administration in January 2022 and July 2023. Despite these efforts, no action has been taken thus far, NCPCR noted, asserting that the district administration could be held responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the dissemination of such content.

In light of these developments, NCPCR directed the commencement of legal proceedings against Darul Uloom Deoband under the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The commission requested an action taken report to be submitted within three days.