Delhi HC issues notice to the Delhi Aam Aadmi Party Government
The matter of Delhi Waqf Board Imams’ salary paid with Government money
Imam is the one who conducts prayers in the mosques
New Delhi – Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal who has been arrested in connection with liquor scam, his Government has received a notice from the Delhi High Court. Advocate and social activist Rukmini Singh has filed a petition seeking to restrain the Delhi Government from paying salaries of the Waqf Board’s Imam and Muazzin (who invites people to azaan for prayers in mosques) from the combined fund. The Court said that the Government needs to consider this demand. The matter will come up for hearing in July.
Details about the petition
The petition filed by Singh says, offering favours to a certain religious community, of a certain economic status and ignoring people belonging to the same category of other religious communities, directly violates the Secular nature of the State. It also violates Articles 14, 15(1) and 27,266 and 282 of the Constitution of India. The PIL follows the Supreme Court Judgement in Akhil Bharatiya Imam Sanghatan vs Bharat Sangh, which held that it was the duty of Waqf Board to use its resources to pay Imams. They play an important role in their community. Government’s actions are contrary to constitutional principles as well as the judgement of the Supreme Court of India. No community of any religion can be paid from the consolidated funds of the State.
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