The Allahabad High Court today pulled up Lucknow administration for not fully complying with its directive of unlocking gates of two historical Imambaras and ordered complete compliance by tomorrow.
The HC had ordered opening of Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara, whose gates had been locked by supporters of Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad on June 5 while demanding sacking of Shia Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi.
The state government had on Thursday last assured the court that the gates of Bada and Chhota Imambaras, both protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), would be opened before June 29.
The court, on the request of Additional Advocate General Bulbul Godiyal, had adjourned the case till June 29.
During hearing today, Godiyal told the court that Bada Imambara has been opened but the gate of Chhota Imambara could not be opened as some people were “obstructing” it and attempts to negotiate the matter with them have not been successful till date.
Expressing unhappiness over it, the vacation division bench of Justice Arun Tandon and Justice Anil Kumar said, “Whatever may be the attempts that the district authorities are making, we are of the opinion that no person can be permitted to take law into his own hands. The DM must be aware of the powers which are conferred upon him to meet such law and order situation. We need say no further as on date.”
The bench stated this after the complainant Masarrat Hussain told the court that despite its order, the gates of Chhota Imambara could not be unlocked.
The AAG sought some time for the same, which was provided till tomorrow by the court.
The court directed the DM to file an affidavit indicating as to how such a situation has arisen around the Imambadas.
On June 23, the court had directed the DM and ASI Superintendent to open the locks and to ensure peace around the historical monuments.
