Can All India Muslim Mahapanchayat be held on December 18?: HC asks police, MCD to consider

When the matter was heard on November 23, Delhi Police counsel Arun Panwar had said it received an application on November 8 by Maha Tyagi Sewa Sansthan for organising a programme between December 3 and 5 at Ramlila Maidan, and a no-objection certificate had already been issued to it. The HC thereafter had asked the police’s counsel to place the relevant records, including a copy of the application filed by Maha Tyagi Sewa Sansthan, through an affidavit before it.

During its November 25 hearing, Justice Prasad noted that the petitioner had filed an application with the MCD on November 10 over the allotment of the Maidan for holding the mahapanchayat on December 4; the MCD also responded the same day, saying the ground was available and can be allotted subject to a NOC from police.

Justice Prasad, however, said the court is not going into the controversy on whether the Maha Tyagi Sewa Sansthan should have first approached the MCD and then the police or the petitioner organisation should have first approached police and then the MCD.

The HC thereafter requested the counsel for the MCD and Delhi Police to submit dates when no function is scheduled to be organised at the maidan.

On November 25, the petitioner’s counsel said that out of the dates given by MCD and police authorities, December 18 would be most convenient.

“In view of the above, let the application already given by the petitioner on 10.11.2023 for holding the mahapanchayat on 04.12.2023 be treated as a representation for holding the mahapanchayat on 18.12.2023; respondent No.3/MCD and police authorities are directed to consider the feasibility for holding the mahapanchayat at Ramlila Ground… on 18.12.2023,” Justice Prasad directed, listing the matter on November 28.

The petitioner had sought a direction to the DCP Central district to act on the MCD’s November 10 letter.

The organisation aims to work on a national campaign to disseminate widespread awareness of the ideals and provisions of the Constitution of India. It had earlier called for a mass meeting on October 29 at the same venue, permission for which was first granted and then subsequently revoked by police. The organisation had moved the HC and its plea was dismissed on October 25, while observing that the petitioner may apply for permission afresh after the festival period.

“The petitioner consequently rescheduled their event for 04.12.2023 and applied for permission to book the Ramlila Ground on 10.11.2023. The Horticulture Department of the MCD redirected the petitioner to the Delhi Police for an NOC, and the petitioner hence submitted a request on 13.11.2023 in this regard, after the conclusion of Diwali on 12.11.2023,” the plea submitted.

The petitioner claimed the DCP (Central District) has failed to act on their request for the NOC and has kept it pending, pursuant to which it has approached court.