No decision could be taken on the petition, Central government evades to file affidavit
No Muslim can tolerate the disrespect of his beloved Prophet Muhammad: Maulana Arshad Madani

New Delhi, October 29, 2020:  Today, the petition filed on the direction of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind against TV channels and print media who have deliberately conspired to tarnish the image of the people belonging to the Tablighi Jamaat and especially Muslims and to spread hatred between Hindus and Muslims by linking the Corona virus to the Nizamuddin Center in the Supreme Court was heard, during which the lawyer of the Union of India sought more time from the court to file the affidavit, which was granted and the court adjourned its proceedings. 
At the last hearing, the Chief Justice of India had expressed his anger over the submission of affidavit by the junior officer, after which Solicitor General of India Advocate Tushar Mehta had assured the court that the affidavit would be filed by the senior officer and the affidavit will be prepared under his supervision.
Commenting on today's legal proceedings, Maulana Arshad Madani, President Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, said that the government's evasion to file an affidavit in this matter shows that it does not care in the slightest way what the bigoted media is doing in the country. Now, we are waiting for an early decision in this matter so that the irresponsible media of the country can be restrained from setting fire to the peace and unity of the country. But unfortunately, the present government, despite realizing the seriousness of the matter, is acting irresponsibly. Maulana Madani added that it was even more surprising that the petition filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is being termed as an attempt to disrupt freedom of expression.
"We have already made it clear that we are not against freedom of expression, but we are in favor of it," he explained. But this freedom does not mean to insults any religion, religious figure, any nation or any individual. There are also limits for freedom of expression, and if a person transgresses these limits, he must be opposed and condemned.
Maulana Madani said that what has happened in France in recent days and what is happening now is also being interpreted by some people as freedom of expression. But can such an attitude be justified in a civilized society? He also said that all the religious and holy personalities of the world must be respected regardless of their religion. We have been taught by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) not to insult any religion and any religious figure, Muslims all over the world follow this advice. 
He strongly condemned the publishing of blasphemous cartoon, and its support by the President of France is a heinous act. Furthermore, supporting people who, on the basis of freedom of expression, cause unbearable distress not only to millions but also to billions of people, is not only a source of unhappiness but also a form of terrorism.
"We are very sorry to say that the government of our country has supported the position of France, which means that it is supporting the law which hurts the religious sentiments of Muslims all over the world," he said. This shows the intention of the government within its own country and what it has its view on 200 million Muslims? We think it would be better to remain silent than to support France's position.


Fazlur Rahman Qasmi
Press secretary
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, New Delhi
09891961134