The Allahabad High Court has refused to quash the FIR registered in connection with the September 26 violence in Bareilly, observing that the accused can pursue other legal remedies available under law.
A division bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Garima Prasad, in an order dated November 13, disposed of the writ petition filed by Adnan, who was named as an accused in the case. He had approached the court seeking quashing of the FIR lodged at Baradari police station.
The state opposed the plea, arguing that the allegations — including attacking police personnel with brickbats, acid bottles and firearms — reflected a serious assault on the rule of law. According to the prosecution, the violence followed a call allegedly given by Maulana Tauqeer Raza for members of a particular community to gather at Islamiya Inter College, despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Authorities said a crowd of 200–250 people assembled holding placards and raising slogans, ignoring police directions. The situation escalated when the mob allegedly turned aggressive, throwing stones and acid bottles and even firing gunshots. Two police personnel were injured and their uniforms torn during the clashes.
The state counsel stressed that offences of this nature could have far-reaching consequences for public order, and that any interim relief at this stage could obstruct the investigation. Several Supreme Court precedents were cited to oppose intervention.
Following some arguments, the petitioner’s counsel informed the bench that he no longer wished to press the request for quashing the FIR. The court then declined the relief and disposed of the petition, granting Adnan liberty to approach the competent court for appropriate remedies in accordance with law.
