‘Communalising’ COVID-19: Notice to State, Centre

A division bench comprising Justice R Subbiah and Justice R Pongiappan, before whom the plea came, directed the State to file a status report within two weeks. It also directed the Centre to file a counter.

The plea, moved by the State General Secretary of the Democratic Party of India (SDPI), sought action against communalised reporting by targeting Muslims amid the pandemic.

He further contended that the Tablighi Jamat religious meet was planned a year ago. There were no curbs on religious events until March 24, when the national lockdown was announced. But, Tabilighi Jamat was conducted prior to this date and after notifying the concerned officials about the same.

However, certain section of the media , instead of exercising restraint, reported the entire incident with a communal flavour, with phrases such as ‘Corona Jihad’, ‘Corona Terrorism’, ‘Islamic Insurrection’, ‘Corona Bombs’ ,Etc., It was apparent that the unfortunate incident of the Tablighi Jamat was being used to demonise and blame the entire Muslim community, the petitioner said.