NCPCR Asks UP Govt To Investigate Darul Uloom Deoband Portal For 'Unlawful & Deceptive' Fatwas

In response, the Students Islamic Organisation of India branded it "another attempt to undermine madrasas and their curriculum by cherry-picking and sensationalising specific fatwas."

Representational Image. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has requested that the Uttar Pradesh government investigate the website of the Islamic institution Darul Uloom Deoband for allegedly issuing "unlawful and deceptive" fatwas.

The state's chief secretary was also requested on Saturday by the leading child rights authority to prohibit access to the website until such stuff is deleted, PTI reported.

'Another Attempt To Undermine Madrasas': Students Islamic Organisation Of India 

In response, the Students Islamic Organisation of India branded it "another attempt to undermine madrasas and their curriculum by cherry-picking and sensationalising specific fatwas."

The NCPCR stated that it is investigating a complaint alleging that the website contains a collection of fatwas that violate the requirements of the country's legislation.

In a letter addressed to the state's chief secretary, NCPCR said, "Taking cognisance of the complaint u/s 13 (1) (j) of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, after pursuing the complaint and examining the website, it was observed that the explanation and answers provided in response to issues raised by the individuals do not align with the laws and acts in the country."

It claimed that such comments violated children's rights and that free access to the internet was damaging to them.

"Therefore, it is requested that the website of this organisation may be thoroughly examined, investigated and any such content should be immediately removed," the letter reads.

"Further, access to such website may be prevented until the removal of such content for avoiding spread and recurrence of unlawful statements and consequently preventing incidents of violence, abuse, neglect, harassment, discrimination against children," the letter further reads.

NCPCR Request UP Govt To Take Measures Against The Institution 

It further requested that the state government take appropriate measures against the institution for allegedly violating laws of the Indian Constitution, Indian Penal Code, Juvenile Justice Act of 2015, and Right to Education Act of 2009.

The NCPCR has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to provide a report on the steps it has taken within 10 days.

Fawaz Shaheen, national secretary of the Students Islamic Organisation of India, stated in a statement that the NCPCR's letter is yet another attempt to undermine madrasas and their education by cherry-picking and sensationalising specific fatwas.

(With PTI Inputs)