SC to hear appeal in Salman case, book on Ramdev

NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court will on Monday pronounce its verdict on petitions seeking to allow demonstrations in Central Delhi area, including Jantar Mantar, where protests were banned in October 2017 after the National Green Tribunal’s order. Those who approached the top court after the NGT order included a non-government organisation representing farmers.

The top court will also hear actor Salman Khan’s appeal challenging criminal proceedings against him lodged in various courts for allegedly making derogatory comments against the Valmiki community during the promotion of his film ‘Tiger Zinda Hai.’ A bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra stayed the proceedings in April.

A response from the states where the cases were lodged would be considered during the hearing.

As per the last court order no fresh FIR can be registered against the actor.

An appeal filed by M/s Juggernaut Books against the Delhi High Court order that banned publication and sale of a book on Yoga guru Ramdev would also be taken up this week.

The high court had in May this year reiterated the ban on the book titled “Godman to Tycoon”, upholding a civil court’s order August 2017 order prohibiting the publication.

Ramdev has described the book as defamatory and an infringement to his right to privacy.

The apex court will also hear petitions seeking ban on female genital mutilation (FGM).

A bench led by Chief Justice Misra had on the last hearing indicated that it was opposed to FGM. Court said no one can use the religious practices to touch a female’s body and violate integrity of her body part.

FGM or “khatna” is a practice prevalent among the Dawoodi Bohra religious community of Shia sect. This practice is an age-old tradition in this community to mark the arrival of womanhood.

Centre has already submitted that the act is a crime.