HC refuses to pass order on Azmi ban in Bhiwandi

Mumbai, Sep 7 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today refused to pass any order on the ban imposed on the entry of Samajwadi Party leader and Member of Parliament Abu Asim Azmi in Bhiwandi till September 9.

However, the court admitted the petition filed by him challenging the ban on his entry in the powerloom city after the communal disturbance that occurred last month.

A division bench, comprising Justices J N Patel and R S Dalvi, while refusing to pass any interim order for granting a stay on the ban, had expedited the hearing of Azmi's petition.

The bench in its oral order also indicated that if the court finds the ban was ''politically motivated'' then they may impose cost on the state.

Azmi in his petition had challenged the ban imposed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone II, who had earlier submitted before the court on affidavit that he had given the said orders to maintain peace and communal harmony and prevent any kind of disturbance or riot.

Azmi was allegedly accused for instigating members of the minority community there, which resulted in the brutal death of two policemen on July five during the Bhiwandi riots.

UNI XR-ARM ADG HS RAI2021