High Court Slams ‘Communal Politics’ Over Rani Lakshmibai Statue Dispute in a Park.

Rani Lakshmibai Statue Dispute: Delhi High Court Calls Out Muslim Body for Playing ‘Communal Politics’.

Jay Prakash Singh | HENB | New Delhi | Sept 26, 2024:: The Delhi court has firmly rejected a plea from the Shahi Idgah Managing Committee, emphasizing that history should never be compartmentalized along communal lines. The court also reaffirmed Rani Lakshmibai’s status as a national hero, transcending sectarian divisions. This ruling underscores the importance of unity and shared heritage in India, where historical figures like Rani Lakshmibai are revered for their bravery and contributions to the country’s struggle for independence.

Coming down heavily on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court rejected a petition by the Delhi Shahi Idgah Managing Committee seeking to stop the installation of a Rani Lakshmibai statue inside Shahi Idgah Park. The court strongly criticized the committee, emphasizing that history shouldn’t be divided along communal lines and that Rani Lakshmibai is a national hero.

The court’s observation highlights the importance of unity and shared heritage in India, where historical figures like Rani Lakshmibai are revered for their bravery and contributions to the country’s struggle for independence. Born Manikarnika Tambe, Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of Jhansi and a leading figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of India’s struggle for independence.

“This is scandalous. Communal politics being played through court,” the court remarked while rejecting the plea.

The Delhi Shahi Idgah Managing Committee’s plea to stop the installation of a Rani Lakshmibai statue inside Shahi Idgah Park was rejected by a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court, and subsequently by another bench. The court slammed the committee for playing “communal politics” and using the court to further their agenda.

The court took issue with the language used in the appeal, calling it “scandalous” and “unfair to the judge”. The committee’s counsel eventually withdrew the petition, but not before the court ordered them to remove the offending paragraphs and issue an apology by today.

It’s worth noting that the committee had claimed the park was waqf property and sought to prevent the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from encroaching on it. However, the court ruled that the surrounding area belonged to the DDA and that the committee had no legal or fundamental right to oppose the installation of the statue.

The court’s decision highlights the importance of not using communal grounds to divide history, and recognizes Rani Lakshmibai as a national hero who transcends all religious boundaries.

The Delhi court was set to review the Shahi Idgah Managing Committee’s petition on September 27, after previously dismissing their plea to stop the installation of a Rani Lakshmibai statue inside Idgah Park. The committee claims the park is waqf property and wants to prevent the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from encroaching on it. However, a single-judge bench initially ruled that the statue doesn’t infringe on the committee’s right to offer prayers or perform religious duties.

The court criticized the committee for playing “communal politics” and using the court to further their agenda. The committee’s appeal was deemed “divisive” and the court took exception to the language used, calling it “scandalous” and “unfair to the judge.” As a result, the committee’s counsel withdrew the petition, but not before the court ordered them to remove offending paragraphs and issue an apology.

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__Inputs from Agencies.