The Supreme Court yesterday took strong note of an analogy drawn by the Centre in support of the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and the argument that by that logic, a bench of Hindu judges should not be hearing pleas related to waqf.
“Are you suggesting that minorities, including Muslims, should also be included in boards managing Hindu religious institutions? Please state that openly,” CJI Sanjiv Khanna said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the provisions said If the objection to the presence of non-Muslims in the statutory boards is accepted, then the present bench would also not be able to hear the matter, adding, “Then your Lordships cannot hear this matter if we go by that logic.”
The CJI shot back, saying “No, sorry Mr Mehta, we are not talking just about adjudication. When we sit here, we lose our religion. We are absolutely secular. For us, one side or the other is the same.”
– PTI
