SC, Centre undermining minority rights: Madani

NEW DELHI/BHOPAL: Maulana Mahmood Madani, head of Jamiat-Ulama-Hind, Saturday accused Supreme Court and govt of undermining minority rights and said that recent court verdicts, including those in the Babri Masjid and triple talaq cases, suggested that the judiciary was functioning "under govt pressure".

"Supreme Court is entitled to be called 'supreme' only as long as it upholds the Constitution and the rights enshrined in law; otherwise, it loses moral legitimacy," Madani said, drawing a sharp response from the BJP which accused him of making inflammatory remarks and pushing the country towards division.




Madani, who was addressing a meeting of the national governing body of the influential body of Deobandi critics, also justified the concept of Jihad as a "noble duty" aimed at "eliminating injustice, protecting humanity and establishing peace" and asserted that "wherever oppression takes place, there will be jihad".

Alleging that "anti-Islam forces" have distorted the concept of jihad, turning it into a term synonymous with violence, to malign Muslims, he said armed struggle is sanctioned only to prevent oppression and disorder and that "jihad is not an individual or private undertaking. Only a legitimate and organised state authority can determine it under Islamic jurisprudence."

He added, "India, being a democratic and secular nation, is not an Islamic state; hence any debate about physical jihad here has no relevance. Muslims are constitutionally bound citizens, and govt is responsible for protecting the rights of all."

Madani also reiterated Muslims' opposition to the singing of national song Vande Mataram.

BJP's response was swift and furious. "'Whenever there is oppression, jihad will be waged' is an extremely inappropriate remark as terror and violence have been inflicted not only on India but across the world in the name of jihad," said party spokesperson Sambit Patra.

"His statement that Supreme Court has no right to call itself supreme is extremely unfortunate and completely unacceptable," the BJP spokesperson further said, adding the apex court can take suo motu cognizance of his comments.

On Madani's stand against Vande Mataram, Patra said that such a mindset hurts the country's unity and constitutional values. "He should remember that Vande Mataram is not a symbol of any religion but the fragrance of India's soil and the voice of its soul. In the 150th year of Vande Mataram, Madani's provocative comments expose his divisive agenda."

Govt has celebrated the anniversary of Vande Mataram with several events, with there being talk that it may seek a discussion on India's national song in the upcoming session of Parliament.

Madani's remarks come close on the heels of his uncle Arshad, head of the rival faction of the Deobandi outfit, alleging that Muslims were being persecuted. Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the Red Fort blast and the arrest of the promoter of Al-Falah University, which has been under spotlight after the arrests of its doctors and employees in connection with the attack, Madani senior said Muslim institutions were facing persecution.
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