Supreme Court Grants Interim Stay on NBW in Bareilly Riots Case: Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan Gets Reprieve

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has provided temporary relief to prominent Muslim cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan by staying the execution of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him in connection with the 2010 Bareilly communal riots case. The apex court’s decision came after Khan filed an appeal against the order issued by the Allahabad High Court on March 19.

The Bareilly riots, which erupted on March 2, 2010, in Uttar Pradesh, resulted in widespread violence, injuries, and property damage following disputes over a religious procession route. Khan’s involvement in the incident has been a subject of legal contention for years.

During the court proceedings, lawyer Asad Alvi, representing Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, argued that the high court’s order lacked sufficient reasoning. Taking note of Alvi’s submissions, a bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and SVN Bhatti granted an interim stay on the execution of the NBW against Khan.

Initially arrested by the state police, Khan and others involved in the Bareilly riots case faced legal scrutiny. However, despite summons issued by the trial court, Khan did not appear for the proceedings, leading to the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him.

The Allahabad High Court, while acknowledging Khan’s appeal, ordered the removal of certain remarks, including references to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, from the trial court’s order. However, the HC declined to provide immediate relief to Khan over the NBW.

The Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that Khan played a central role in orchestrating the communal violence in Bareilly, citing substantial evidence of his alleged involvement in the offense.

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant an interim stay on the NBW against Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the Bareilly riots case. As the legal battle continues, stakeholders closely monitor the case’s progress, emphasizing the importance of impartial justice and accountability in addressing communal unrest and upholding the rule of law.

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