The Delhi High Court on Wednesday agreed to urgently hear a plea seeking directions to prevent possible communal violence in the Uttam Nagar area of Delhi ahead of Eid.
The matter was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, who agreed to list the case for hearing the same day.
Senior Advocate Nitya Ramkrishnan, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that there are serious threats being circulated, including calls to play a “khoon ki holi” during Eid.
“There are wide ranging threats of violence on Eid. On social media, meetings have gathered saying ‘khoon ki holi hum Eid pe khelenge’. We went to the police, but no action has been taken. We fear serious violence,” she said, urging the court to issue immediate directions.
Tensions Rise After Recent Killing
The plea, filed by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, highlights growing communal tension in Uttam Nagar following the killing of a 26 year old man, Tarun Kumar, during a Holi related dispute earlier this month.
According to the petition, what began as a personal altercation between two families has since been given a communal angle, increasing fear in the area.
The incident dates back to March 4, when a child accidentally splashed a passerby with a water balloon. Later that day, the victim was allegedly attacked and beaten to death. Since the accused belonged to a Muslim family, tensions escalated in the locality.
Fear and Migration Among Residents
Residents have reported a climate of fear, with some Muslim families allegedly leaving their homes ahead of Eid due to safety concerns.
Jameel Ahmad, a long time resident, said, “We were very worried when large gatherings were held. We feared something might happen. Thankfully, the administration remained alert.”
He added that local communities had traditionally lived peacefully together. “If outsiders do not interfere, there has never been any problem between residents here,” he said.
Hate Speeches and Posters Raise Alarm
The petition also points to inflammatory speeches and posters circulating in the area, allegedly warning Muslims against celebrating Eid. Some messages reportedly call for Holi to be played on Eid day and threaten violence before prayers.
The Eidgah in the locality is used by thousands of people every year, but residents are now uncertain if they will be able to offer prayers peacefully.
Earlier, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolished parts of a house linked to one of the accused in the killing case. When the action was challenged, the High Court orally asked authorities not to carry out further demolitions.
