Image Credits - Darul Uloom Deoband
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken a decisive stance against Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic educational institution, following the discovery of controversial content on its website. The apex child rights body has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to register a First Information Report (FIR) and pursue legal action against the institution.
The directive, issued by NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, comes in response to a fatwa found on Darul Uloom Deoband’s website. The fatwa in question pertains to the concept of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ and allegedly glorifies martyrdom in the context of a potential invasion of India.
Expressing grave concern over the potential impact on children, Kanoongo emphasized the alleged violation of Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. According to the chairperson, such content exposes children to hatred against their own country, leading to unnecessary mental or physical suffering.
Citing Section 13(1) of the CPCR Act, 2005, the NCPCR highlighted the potential for the dissemination of such content to incite hatred against the nation. The commission also referred to legal precedents, including the case of Kanhaiya Kumar vs the State of NCT of Delhi, to underscore the gravity of expressions that could be construed as offenses against the state.
The NCPCR noted that it had previously raised similar concerns with the district administration in January 2022 and July 2023, but no action had been taken. Consequently, the commission asserted that the district administration could be held responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the dissemination of such content.
In response to these developments, the NCPCR directed the initiation of legal proceedings against Darul Uloom Deoband under the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The commission has requested an action taken report to be submitted within three days.
The move by the NCPCR underscores the importance of safeguarding children from exposure to content that promotes hatred or violence. It also highlights the need for swift and decisive action to address such concerns and uphold the principles of child rights and national security.
Darul Uloom Deoband, known for its significant role in Islamic education, has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. However, the institution is likely to face heightened scrutiny and legal proceedings in the coming days as authorities move to address the issue raised by the NCPCR.
