How can a fugitive file a petition in the Supreme Court? Central government raised questions on Zakir Naik

New Delhi: The Central Government has reacted sharply to the petition filed in the Supreme Court by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. The government on Wednesday raised questions over Zakir Naik’s plea seeking clubbing of FIRs lodged in different states over his/her alleged objectionable statements made during the Ganpati festival in 2012.

‘How can a fugitive file a petition?’

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing before a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ehsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih, asked how a person who has been declared a fugitive can file a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. Mehta said, ‘I was told by his/her lawyer that they are withdrawing the case. Our answer is ready.

‘Appeal to link 43 FIRs together’

The lawyer appearing for Naik said that he/she has not received any instructions regarding withdrawal of the case and the petition sought to club together about 43 FIRs filed in different states. The lawyer said that six FIRs are pending against his/her client and he/she will approach the High Court to quash them.

Supreme Court seeks answer from Naik’s lawyer

The Supreme Court directed Naik’s lawyer to file an affidavit stating whether he/she would continue the case or withdraw it. Along with this, the court asked Mehta to file a reply in the case. The next hearing of the case will be on October 23. Naik is currently abroad. The NIA is also investigating his/her involvement in alleged terrorist activities.