The Central Government on Thursday filed its counter affidavit in plea seeking CBI inquiry in the Nizamuddin Markaz where thousands of members attended the event in spite of prohibition on religious gathering by the Delhi Government to contain spread of COVID-19.
The Centre in its affidavit has stated that an FIR dated 31.03.20 in this regard has already been filed and investigation is carried out by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police which is at an advance stage. The Centre has however gave a undertaking that if the Supreme Court wants a comprehensive report regarding seriousness of the investigation, the same would be filed by the Union in a sealed envelope.
The affidavit states that during inspection around 1300 persons from different states as well as foreign countries were found residing in the premise without maintaining any social distancing. Maulana Mohd. Saad and the management of the Markaz had deliberately, wilfully, negligently and malignantly committed acts which were in direct contravention to the lawful directions of the Government.
The passports and visa application forms of the Tablighi Jamaat Members clearly show that they had obtained the tourist visa or e-Visa on a false pretext and they have been served the notice u/s 41 of CrPC. The Centre said that the investigation in the aforesaid manner is being conducted in day to day basis and efforts are being made to finalise the investigation and submit a report u/s 173 of CrPC.
The PIL was heard today by the bench comprising of CJI SA Bobde, Justice A.S. Bopanna & Justice Hrishikesh Roy, wherein the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the court that the Centre has filed its reply to the PIL, on which the petitioner sought time for filing rejoinder to the reply.
The Court has directed to list the matter after two weeks.
-India Legal Bureau