On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition and termed it as “absolutely frivolous”. The petition was filed by Waseem Rizvi, UP Shia Waqf Board Chairman, seeking removal of 26 verses from the holy Quran which spread ‘hatred’. The Supreme Court also charged a fine of Rs 50,000 from Rizvi.
The whole matter was heard by a bench of justices RF Nariman, BR Gavai, and Hrishikesh Roy. Justice Nariman said, “Are you seriously pressing the petition? This is an absolutely frivolous petition. Dismissed with Rs 50,000 cost”.
Rizvi has stated in the plea that Islam is such a religion that is based on the concepts of equity, equality, forgiveness, and tolerance but due to the 26 verses of the Quran, the religion is drifting away from these concepts. He said that the 26 verses of the Quran “preach violence against non-believers”. And therefore teaching the Quran in the Madrasa can lead to the indoctrination of children. In his petition, Rizvi prayed that some religious experts may kindly be appointed to get the opinion on the matter in the larger public interest.
For hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims with his petition, last month an FIR was registered against Rizvi in Bareilly. He claimed that the verses of the Quran promoted terrorism.