Uttarakhand HC to hear plea over Uttarkashi mahapanchayat issue

Earlier the Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahnasuddin Amanullah told the counsel that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the administration and the High Court concerned will consider the petitioner’s grievance.

The counsel said there is a continuing mandamus issued against the state of Uttarakhand to curb hate speeches. Referring to the proposed mahapanchayat in the area which has witnessed communal tension in the last few days, the counsel said an ultimatum has been issued to a particular community to leave the area before the event.

Justice Nath said it is an administrative issue and told the petitioner, “You approach the HC.”

Justice Amanullah asked the petitioner why it was distrusting the HC. He said that if there is a mandamus issued by the SC, the HC will take note and pass orders. “You should have some trust in the HC,” the judge said. As the counsel referred to the statements being made, Justice Amanullah repeated that the petitioner should approach the HC or the district administration.

Alam then sought written liberty to do so, but the court was initially reluctant. Later on, it allowed the petitioner’s request to permit it to approach authorities.