Allahabad High Court Dismisses PIL on Display of Iranian Leaders’ Portraits
The Allahabad High Court has recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought judicial intervention against police actions involving the peaceful display of portraits of Shia spiritual leaders from Iran. The case, titled Majlis Ulema-E-Hind v State of UP, was presided over by a Division Bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla.
The court found the petition to be based on ‘general and vague averments’ concerning police interference and the removal of posters depicting Iranian religious leaders. The judges noted that the petition failed to provide specific instances of alleged police action or details of any premises where such portraits were reportedly removed.
In their ruling dated July 7, the court emphasized, “On such vague and general averments, a Public Interest Litigation cannot be maintained nor proceeded with. If there is any specific cause against any such police person under any provision of law, then the remedy prescribed in this regard can be availed, but we see no reason to consider such an omnibus prayer based on such averments.”
The PIL, filed by the Majlis Ulema-E-Hind, alleged police actions involving the removal of portraits and banners of Iranian leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani from private properties and commercial establishments. The petition also sought protection against any coercive actions or detentions. However, the court concluded that the plea lacked the specificity required to be actionable and subsequently dismissed it.
Advocate Mohd Kumail Haider represented the petitioners in this case. The court’s decision highlights the necessity for detailed and specific allegations when filing public interest litigations, especially those involving claims of law enforcement overreach.
