Communal Divide Sparks Legal Battle in Himachal High Court

Himachal Pradesh, known for its peaceful and culturally vibrant identity, is witnessing rising communal tensions that have now escalated into a legal battle in the High Court. The latest development comes after Tikender Singh Panwar, the former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) yesterday, highlighting growing communal discord in the state capital. The petition focuses on the construction of mosques and the stigmatization of street vendors labeled as “migrants.”

Panwar’s PIL specifically points fingers at two cabinet ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Anirudh Singh and Vikramaditya Singh, accusing them of making inflammatory statements both in the Assembly and at public gatherings. According to the petition, these statements have contributed to deepening communal divisions.

The petition highlights a speech made by the Rural Development Minister on September 4, 2024, where he questioned the legality of a mosque’s construction in Sanjauli, Shimla. The minister allegedly claimed that the mosque was built illegally on government land and referenced ongoing legal proceedings. Panwar argues that this speech triggered hate campaigns against the Muslim community, emboldening certain groups to call for the mosque’s removal, further inflaming the situation.

Additionally, the Public Works Minister is accused of making controversial remarks on September 26, 2024, at a meeting where he ordered street vendors to prominently display their personal information. Panwar claims that this directive was a thinly veiled attempt to target minority vendors, echoing policies seen in Uttar Pradesh, and leading to potential economic and social isolation of the Muslim community.

The petitioner argues that these actions have shattered the traditionally harmonious atmosphere of Shimla, resulting in protests, social boycotts, and threats against Muslims. Hindu groups have also staged protests demanding the dismantling of the Waqf Board, accusing it of illegal land acquisitions for mosque construction, further fueling the communal divide.

Panwar’s petition argues that the ministers’ actions violate fundamental constitutional rights, including equality before the law and non-discrimination, as guaranteed by Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21. He claims their statements and policies have caused real harm, including a decline in Shimla’s tourism due to fears of communal violence.

Panwar is urging the court to annul the ministers’ directives and speeches, accusing them of unlawfully targeting the Muslim community and endangering both communal harmony and the state’s economic stability. The High Court has taken cognizance of the matter and issued notices to the ministers involved, with the next hearing scheduled for November 13.