Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari arrested; Defence adovocate allege ‘violation of SC guidelines’

After the arrest of Islamic preacher Mufti Salman Azhari in connection with an alleged hate speech case, his defense lawyers accused Ghatkopar Police of violating Supreme Court guidelines by not conducting a medical examination before bringing him to court.

Ratnakar Daware, Azhari’s defense lawyer, emphasized, “It is Supreme Court’s guidelines if any accused is presented in the court, he needs a medical examination first.” He labeled the arrest as illegal and announced their intention to address the matter in front of the High Court.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police filed a case against the mob outside Ghatkopar Police Station, and Kaif Mujawar, co-defense lawyer, criticized the police for misusing Section 353. Mujawar stressed the need for mandatory medical examinations as outlined by Supreme Court guidelines.

Three arrests have been made in connection with the protests. Mufti Salman Azhari, arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, was brought to the agency’s office in Ahmedabad after a two-day remand granted by a Mumbai Court.

The Mumbai Police case includes charges under various sections of the IPC and the Maharashtra Police Act. Mujawar claimed that the protests were peaceful, and he accused Ghatkopar Police of misusing Section 353, emphasizing the Supreme Court’s mandatory medical examination guidelines.

The Gujarat police detained Azhari in Mumbai in connection with an alleged hate speech case. The speech occurred at an event in Junagadh, Gujarat, on January 31.