'Frivolous Petition' against Holy Quran: SC insists on Rizvi paying fine

Former UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Syed Wasim Rizvi's plea seeking waiver of costs of Rs 50,000 imposed on him for filing a petition seeking removal of certain verses from the Holy Quran, was dismissed by the Supreme Court of India on Monday.

Justice Nariman, who is part of the bench, has also enquired of Rizvi's lawyer when he will pay the costs. As the counsel of Rizvi replied that he was not in a position to answer as he has been discharged from the case, he sought permission to withdraw the petition.

The council also told the bench that Rizvi has filed a separate review petition against the verdict, reported Live Law.

Following this, the bench comprising Justices RF Nariman, KM Joseph and BR Gavai dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

On April 12, a bench headed by Justice RF Nariman, which was not at all inclined to entertain the matter had dismissed the writ petition observing, "this is an absolutely frivolous writ petition". During the hearing, the bench had asked whether the petitioner was seriously pressing the petition.

Senior Advocate R K Raizada, appearing for Rizvi, replied that he was confining the prayer to the regulation of Madrassa education. He also submitted that the literal interpretation of certain verses preached violence against non-believers, and therefore teaching them can lead to the indoctrination of children.

Raizada also demanded to call Central Govt and Madrasa Boards to ascertain what steps are taken to avoid literal teaching of verses advocating violence. The petition which asked to remove 26 verses from the Quran also stated that such verses are used as "justifications" by Islamist terrorist groups for attacks on non-believers/civilians.

The Court while proceeding to dismiss the plea, had imposed Rs. 50000/- as costs on the petitioner for filing the petition and directed to deposit the amount before the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.