Allahabad High Court Directs UP Government to File Counter Affidavit in Ganga Iftar Case
The Allahabad High Court, in a significant development on Friday, issued a directive to the Uttar Pradesh state government, ordering it to file a counter affidavit in response to the bail applications submitted by several Muslim youths. These individuals are currently incarcerated on charges related to organizing an iftar party on a boat and allegedly discarding waste, including biryani bones, into the sacred waters of the Ganga River in Varanasi.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha presided over the hearing of the bail applications filed by the accused—identified as Danish Saifi, Noor Islam, and Amir Kaifi. In his judicial order, Justice Sinha granted a one-week extension to the government counsel to prepare and submit the necessary counter affidavit. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 24, 2025, to further deliberate on the matter.
During the proceedings, the defense counsel, Mohd Waseem, presented arguments asserting that the youths have been falsely implicated in this case. He emphasized the lack of substantial evidence and highlighted potential procedural irregularities in the investigation. In contrast, the additional government advocate (AGA), Uma Shanker Mishra, strongly opposed the bail applications. Mishra requested additional time to file a detailed counter affidavit, aiming to substantiate the charges against the accused.
Background of the Case and Arrests
The case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged on March 16, 2025, at the Kotwali police station in Varanasi. The complaint was filed by Rajat Jaiswal, the president of the BJP Yuva Morcha, who alleged that the incident had severely hurt religious sentiments. According to the complaint, the accused individuals broke their Ramzan fast on a boat on the Ganga River on March 15, 2025. They are accused of consuming meat during the iftar and subsequently throwing the waste, including biryani bones, into the river.
Following the registration of the FIR, law enforcement authorities arrested a total of 14 youths in connection with the incident. The police invoked a comprehensive set of legal provisions against them, including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to defiling a place of worship, outraging religious feelings, and later, charges of extortion. This legal action underscores the gravity with which the authorities are treating the case, reflecting broader concerns about environmental and religious sensitivities.
Previous Legal Denials and Ongoing Implications
Earlier, a sessions court in Varanasi had denied bail to the accused, citing the serious nature of the charges and the potential for evidence tampering. This denial set the stage for the current appeal in the Allahabad High Court, where the defense is seeking relief based on claims of false implication and procedural flaws.
The case has sparked widespread debate, touching on issues of religious freedom, environmental protection, and legal due process. As the Allahabad High Court awaits the government's counter affidavit, all eyes are on the upcoming hearing scheduled for April 24, 2025. The outcome could have significant implications for the accused and set a precedent for similar cases involving religious and environmental offenses in the region.
