Darul Uloom removes 'Bahishti Zewar' from its curriculum after NCPCR issues notice 

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) issued notice to District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP) of Saharanpur after receiving a complaint against fatwas issued by Darul Uloom Deoband. One of fatwas referenced a book titled ‘Bahishti Zewar’ by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi. complainant also provided excerpts from book that is referenced in fatwas uploed on Darul Uloom Deoband’s website. Prima facie, content presented in complaint was against provisions provided by law. book contained content that legitimises sexual relations with minors, which is in violation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Priyank Kanungo, Chairperson, NCPCR said, " M (East) and SP (Rural), Saharanpur appeared for hearing at NCPCR office and submitted a report along with a copy of curriculum followed by Darul Uloom Deoband in Mrasas. As per report, a four-member committee was constituted to enquire into matter. All fatwas highlighted by Commission have been removed from website. Also, book Bahishti Zewar has been removed from curriculum. matter is being furr enquired by Commission and a fresh set of information has been sought."

Earlier, taking cognizance of complaint u/s 13 (1) (j) of CPCR Act, after pursuing complaint and enclosed content, it was observed that it is completely inappropriate for children and also violates laws provided for protection of children in country. Such material referenced and used by Darul Uloom Deoband exposes people to a piece of completely misleing information, disregarding position of law regarding acts mentioned in content, legitimising actions, which if committed by that person would amount to a violation of provisions of law of land.

Providing such information to people is in nature of abetment, which would instigate people to commit an offence, which is in contravention to provisions laid down by law. refore, a notice was issued to DM and SSP Saharanpur on October 14 requesting m to thoroughly examine, and investigate organization’s website and any such content be immediately removed.

y were also requested to block access to website until content is removed and to provide syllabus along with books and or learning material used for children in Mrasas to Commission for examining same.

NCPCR took action against this objectional content, which was being taught in Marsas of Darul Uloom and now book has been removed.