Stressing the need for robust security arrangements, the court said police deployment should instill ‘a sense of safety and security among all sections of society’
NEW DELHI — Amid heightened communal tensions in the Uttam Nagar area of the national capital, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the police and civil administration to take all necessary steps “permissible under law” to maintain peace and ensure a “peaceful and dignified celebration of Eid”.
The court emphasised that the situation in Uttam Nagar must not be allowed to “take any ugly turn”, and instructed authorities to create an atmosphere of harmony and reassurance for residents during the festive period.
Stressing the need for robust security arrangements, the bench said police deployment should instill “a sense of safety and security among all sections of society”. It further directed that authorities must ensure that “no one from any section of society plays mischief” that could potentially disturb communal harmony or trigger any untoward incident.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the matter was initially scheduled to be heard on Wednesday by a bench headed by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, but was taken up on Thursday.
During the hearing, the court issued a clear message to law enforcement agencies, cautioning them against complacency. “Authorities shall ensure that no individual or group indulges in any activity that could disturb public order. The police must not be lax. Whatever happens in Delhi has a ripple effect,” the bench observed.
The court also directed that heightened security arrangements should remain in place beyond Eid and continue until the festival of Ram Navami, underlining the need for sustained vigilance during the sensitive period.
The order comes in the backdrop of recent high tension in the Uttam Nagar area after the death of a 26-year-old man in clashes during Holi. While police deny any communal angle in the murder, the Muslim family accused in the case has alleged selective targeting and the media’s false portrayal of the incident.
Meanwhile, Hindutva groups have been delivering hate speeches against Muslims, warning of bloodshed during Eid.
The incident dates back to March 4, when a child accidentally splashed a passerby with a water balloon. Later that day, the victim was allegedly attacked and beaten to death. Since the accused belonged to a Muslim family, tensions escalated in the locality.
Residents have reported a climate of fear, with some Muslim families allegedly leaving their homes ahead of Eid due to safety concerns.
Jameel Ahmad, a long-time resident, was quoted by The Observer Post as saying on Wednesday: “We were very worried when large gatherings were held. We feared something might happen. Thankfully, the administration remained alert.”
He added that local communities had traditionally lived peacefully together. “If outsiders do not interfere, there has never been any problem between residents here,” he said.
The petition in the high court also pointed at inflammatory speeches and posters circulating in the area, allegedly warning Muslims against celebrating Eid. Some messages reportedly call for Holi to be played on Eid day and threaten violence before prayers.
