Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who has been living outside India since 2016, has withdrawn his petition before the Supreme Court which sought to consolidate multiple FIRs lodged against him in various states for hate speeches made in 2012. The decision came during a hearing where Naik’s intention to approach the High Courts instead was conveyed to a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Augustine George Masih.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised objections to Naik’s petition, querying the legitimacy of a declared fugitive seeking judicial relief under Article 32 of the Constitution. Although initially, there seemed to be a communication gap regarding the withdrawal, Naik’s counsel confirmed the intention to retract the plea, prompting the bench to request an affidavit for official confirmation.
Zakir Naik, notorious for his incendiary speeches which allegedly foster enmity among different religious groups, fled India four years prior to the issuance of a non-bailable warrant by a Special NIA court in 2017. Facing multiple charges, including those under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Naik is under investigation by both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
