Abdullah Salam, NEWS PRISM DELHI BUREAU
NEW DELHI– The Supreme Court has rejected a plea of Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, charged by UP police to running a mass conversion racket, seeking authorization to attend his nephew’s death anniversary in in Uttar Pradesh.
A bench led by Justice SC Sharma turned down Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui’s appeal, noting, “The death occurred last year. You were aware of the date well in advance. You could have approached this bench earlier to seek permission for your intended visit.”
The vacation bench, also comprising Justice PV Varale, expressed dissatisfaction, over Maulana Siddiqui’s plea. Recognizing the court’s reluctance to entertain the petition, Siddiqui’s counsel opted to withdraw the plea, a request the apex court granted.
Last August, the Supreme Court had granted Maulana Siddiqui permission to visit his hometown in Uttar Pradesh for his brother’s funeral, subject to strict conditions prohibiting his engagement in any political or social activities.
However, bail conditions set by the Allahabad High Court restricted Maulana Siddiqui’s entry into Uttar Pradesh, except for court appearances. Allahabad High Court granted bail to Maulana Siddiqui in April 2023. Later, the Uttar Pradesh government had challenged the High Court bail order which was disposed of by the Supreme Court. He was arrested from Meerut on charges of converting over hundred of people in September 2021.