Bombay high court directs police to ensure that no children are harmed during Muharram
The court said that while it was not oblivious to religious practices, a “fine balance” needed to be maintained between such practices and ensuring the safety of all participants
The Bombay high court on Monday directed the police to ensure that no minors are “harmed, injured, or permitted to carry or use weapons or sharp objects,” during this year’s Muharram procession.
The court said that while it was not oblivious to religious practices, a “fine balance” needed to be maintained between such practices and ensuring the safety of all participants.
The bench also directed the additional commissioner of police, south region, to “personally supervise” the procession this September and ensure that the court’s directions are complied with.
The court was hearing a suo moto public interest litigation over the participation of children in the mourning procession during Muharram.
Shia Muslims, who participate in processions, hit themselves with sharp objects to mourn the death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
On the previous hearing, the bench had directed the police and state authorities to meet with the representatives of the community.
The police said that the leaders of the community had said that this year, no child will be permitted to use or carry weapons during the procession. They had said that while children cannot be barred from participating in the procession, it will be ensured that “they are not injured or harmed,” that they will “not be permitted to inflict injuries upon themselves.”
HC directed the Shia community to submit an undertaking in court stating this.
