Dhaka High Court Declines to Ban ISKCON Activities, Emphasizes Government Accountability

Keywords: Dhaka High Court, ISKCON Bangladesh, communal harmony, public safety, Section 144

In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Dhaka High Court declined to issue a suo moto directive to ban the activities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh. The decision came after government representatives assured the court that sufficient measures were in place to address concerns related to ISKCON’s activities.

The matter was brought to the High Court by Supreme Court lawyer Md. Monir Uddin, who cited media reports and requested the imposition of Section 144 in regions like Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur to curb ISKCON’s operations. The bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasis Roy Chowdhury, examined the submissions and sought a detailed response from the attorney general on the government’s actions regarding ISKCON.

Government Measures and Judicial Observations

Government representatives, including Additional Attorney General Aneek R. Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md. Asad Uddin, informed the court that legal proceedings had already been initiated concerning the recent unrest. Notably:

• Three cases were filed in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and incidents involving ISKCON.
• 33 individuals had been arrested as part of the investigation.

The High Court acknowledged these efforts and emphasized the government’s duty to ensure public safety and communal harmony. It underscored that maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the executive branch, which must act decisively to prevent disruptions and protect citizens.

The court reiterated that allegations related to communal sensitivities must be handled cautiously within the legal framework to avoid escalating tensions. It called for a balanced approach that safeguards legal rights, preserves communal harmony, and maintains public safety.

No Immediate Ban on ISKCON Activities

Despite the request to ban ISKCON’s operations, the court refrained from taking immediate judicial action. It highlighted that any prohibition or directive should be based on conclusive evidence and a thorough evaluation of the circumstances. The bench expressed satisfaction with the current measures, including the arrests and ongoing investigations, and stressed the importance of continued vigilance by the government.

The court directed the attorney general to closely monitor the situation and keep it informed of any developments, reaffirming the judiciary’s role in ensuring governmental accountability.

Implications of the Decision

The ruling reflects a cautious and balanced judicial approach to sensitive communal issues in Bangladesh. By refraining from immediate action against ISKCON, the High Court has:

• Reinforced the principle that allegations must be substantiated with evidence.
• Highlighted the executive branch’s responsibility in addressing public safety concerns.
• Reiterated the importance of safeguarding communal harmony while respecting legal rights.

This decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to accountability and stability while allowing the government space to address the matter through legal channels.

As investigations progress, the case will serve as a litmus test for how Bangladesh navigates the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and upholding the rights of diverse communities.

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