UTTAR PRADESH: A local court in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has issued a summons to Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), over allegations of constitutional violations. The summons pertains to Owaisi’s inclusion of the phrase “Jai Palestine” during his oath-taking ceremony in Parliament.
The case was initiated by advocate Virendra Gupta, who contends that Owaisi’s actions contravened constitutional and legal norms. Gupta’s initial petition was dismissed by the MP/MLA court on July 12; however, upon filing a revision petition, District Judge Sudhir accepted the plea and issued a notice to Owaisi on December 21, requiring his appearance in court on January 7, 2025.
Owaisi, a five-time Member of Parliament representing Hyderabad, concluded his oath on June 25 with the expressions “Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine.” These remarks were subsequently ordered to be expunged from the official records. Defending his statement, Owaisi asserted that his words did not violate any constitutional provisions, referencing historical support for Palestine, including statements by Mahatma Gandhi.
This incident has sparked a debate on the appropriateness of expressing international solidarity within the formal proceedings of Parliament. Critics argue that such statements may breach parliamentary protocol, while supporters view them as an exercise of free speech.
The legal proceedings against Owaisi come amid heightened global attention on the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly following escalated violence in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that Israeli strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 45,129 Palestinians killed and over 107,338 injured. Concurrently, attacks led by Hamas have caused 1,139 fatalities in Israel, with more than 200 individuals taken captive.
As the court date approaches, the case raises important questions about the balance between freedom of expression and adherence to constitutional protocols within India’s parliamentary framework.
Source: Web Team, C6N
