New Delhi, October 20 — In a major legal development, prominent Islamic scholar and preacher Mufti Mohammad Salman Azhari was released from jail on Saturday after the Supreme Court of India quashed the charges filed against him under the Public Safety Act (PSA). His release marks the end of an eight-month-long incarceration that had sparked considerable public attention.
The Supreme Court’s decision came after a detailed review of the case, where it found no substantial evidence linking Azhari’s speeches to any disruption of public order. The bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale, criticized the Gujarat Police for failing to provide sufficient grounds to justify the preacher’s detention. The court stated, “Upon examining the records and available material, it is evident that the detention order cannot be upheld. There is no proof that the appellant’s speeches had any detrimental effect on public peace.”
The Gujarat High Court had earlier upheld Azhari’s detention, but the Supreme Court overturned this ruling, stressing that the police failed to show how his speeches posed any threat to public order. Azhari was accused of making an inflammatory speech during a religious gathering in Junagadh, which led to his arrest.
Timeline of Events
Azhari was arrested by a special team of the Gujarat Police on February 4, 2024, in Mumbai. The police accused him of inciting religious sentiments during a gathering in Junagadh on February 22, 2024. He was subsequently incarcerated at Vadodara Central Jail under the stringent PSA law, which allows for preventive detention in cases where public safety is perceived to be at risk.
The Legal Battle and Public Attention
The case drew considerable attention from various legal and human rights groups, many of whom argued that Azhari’s detention was politically motivated and an infringement on his right to free speech. His supporters organized protests and petitions, calling for his release, and emphasizing that his speeches were centered on religious teachings and were not aimed at inciting violence or unrest.
The court’s judgment comes as a significant relief to Azhari’s family and supporters. His brother, Mufti Zubair Misbahi, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision and confirmed that Azhari had safely returned to his hometown of Karnah, where he was warmly welcomed by his family and followers.
Azhari’s Response
In his first public statement after his release, Azhari thanked the judiciary for delivering justice and expressed relief at being reunited with his family. He reiterated that his speeches were focused on spiritual guidance and religious education, and that he had no intention of causing any social disturbance. He also emphasized his commitment to peace and harmony and urged his followers to maintain these principles in all walks of life.
Azhari stated, “This is not just a personal victory for me, but a win for justice and the right to free speech in India. I thank my legal team, my family, and all those who stood by me in this difficult time.”
Community Reaction
Leaders from various Islamic organizations and religious scholars hailed the court’s decision as a landmark ruling, reaffirming the importance of protecting civil liberties. Many expressed hope that this would set a precedent for similar cases where individuals are detained under preventive laws without solid evidence.
The release of Mufti Salman Azhari is expected to calm the unrest that had been brewing among his supporters and community members, who had been advocating for his release since the day of his arrest.
As of now, there is no official statement from the Gujarat Police regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling, but legal experts believe this case may prompt a review of how PSA laws are applied in the future.
