Case filed against Bukhari

A MARINER has filed a case in the court of Special CJM (customs) Lucknow, against Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, New Delhi, holding him responsible for “fractured Id in the country” this time. The case has been admitted and registered in the court on the same day.

Captain Baizeed Alam Khan, 29, has filed the case as Complaint Case (No. 6125/06) for the offence under Section 295A IPC.

While talking to HT, Capt  Khan said: “I am a skilled navigator. Knowing about positions of celestial bodies is important for me. Scientifically, on October 23, it was not possible to see the moon either in Delhi or in Lucknow.”  “Interestingly on that day in Delhi, Moon’s duration of appearance was only for 4.13 minutes, that too much before the sunset. As the timing of Moon’s appearance was in civil twilight (the twilight time that is too bright) moon could not have been sighted. Moreover, sighting of the Moon even then was only possible from sea level as the Moon’s height (elevation) above the horizon was only ‘0 degree and 41.5 minutes’. The situation in Lucknow too was similar. So, how could Maulana Bukhari see the Moon,” asked Captain Khan.

In the application under Section 190 CrPC, Khan stated: “He, on October 23, was expecting moon for celebration of Id-ul-Fitra and the sky was very clear that night and no Moon was sighted till late night. As a master mariner he enquired about Moon scientifically and also after being satisfied by report of Firangi Mahal Chand Committee, he made up his mind to observe one more Roza.

But surprisingly, he was informed on October 24 that Eid would be celebrated on the same day itself.”

Captain Khan further stated, “Many members of the community were shocked to know that due to careless un-Islamic statement by Maulana Bukhari, the country witnessed a fractured Eid.”  He has submitted both—the scientific position of Moon on October 23 as well as Firangi Mahal Chand Committee’s report to the court..

Khan in the application also stated, “Neither proper medium was used to inform citizens of India nor there was any Islamic base for the statement made by Maulana Bukhari. And that the applicant, due to this was not able to treat his guests properly.”

The Section 295A IPC deals with deliberate and malicious move indented to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief. Offence under the section is non-bailable and non-compoundable. Baizeed Khan, a Lucknowite is in the city on his off-ship holidays.