Jamiat-Ulma-i-Hind moves SC; seeks directions to govt, media not to demonise Muslims

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 6

Jamiat-Ulma-i-Hind -- an Islamic body in India -- on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the government and media not to demonise entire Muslim community over spread of COVID-19 due to Nizamuddin Markaz congregation of Tablighi Jamaat.

In its petition, Jamiat-Ulma-i-Hind urged the top court to prevent communalisation of the Nizamuddin Markaz issue by certain section of print and electronic media.

It has led to demonising the entire Muslim  community in India, resulting into threat to their right to life and liberty -- a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the petitioner contended.

It alleged that by not taking action to maintain communal harmony "in such a critically sensitive time", the Centre has failed in discharging its constitutional duty.

The petition accused various TV channels and newspapers of presenting the information relating to the incident in a "twisted manner", inciting hatred against the entire Muslim community at large.

The TV news channels and social media were replete with phrases such as "Corona Jihad" and "Corona Terrorism" to describe the Nizamuddin Markaz incident, the petition submitted.

It said social media platforms were full of misinformation and fake news on the issue with communal tone and conspiracy theories that Tablighi Jamaat deliberately tried to spread coronavirus across India.

Contending that it violated Norms of journalistic conduct issues by the Press Council of India, the petitioner urged the top court to direct the Centre to stop communalisation of the Nizamuddin Markaz incident and take action against those disseminating fake news on the issue.