New Delhi — India likely to ban Tablighi book ‘Bahishti-Zewar’ for promoting sexual activity with minors. National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has formally requested the district administration of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to remove the book from the Darul-Uloom Deoband’s syllabus.
The NCPCR has raised serious concerns over the book’s content, specifically regarding the legitimization of sexual relations with minors, particularly girls who have not yet reached puberty.
Bahishti-Zewar was written by Ashraf Ali Thanvi (1863-1943). He was an influential Islamic scholar and theologian from India. Thanvi is particularly known for his role in the Deobandi movement. Thanvi’s writings commonly contain exclusive adult content.
Priyank Kanoongo, the chief of NCPCR, highlighted certain passages in the book that suggest men do not need to perform a ritual bath after engaging in such acts to read namaz, the Islamic prayer. These references have sparked alarm within the commission, emphasizing the potential harm to child protection and the need for immediate action.
In its letter to the district commission and senior superintendent of police, the NCPCR invoked Section 69A of the IT Act, which grants the government the authority to block public access to objectionable information. The commission has urged the district administration to take appropriate measures to address this issue promptly.
Furthermore, the NCPCR has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, requesting a copy of all books included in the seminary’s syllabus and a comprehensive ‘action taken’ report within a four-day timeframe.
This is not the first time the NCPCR has raised concerns about the content associated with Darul Uloom Deoband. In the past, the commission had lodged a complaint regarding the presence of fatwas on the seminary’s website.
These repeated instances of objectionable content have underscored the need for a reevaluation of the materials being taught to children in madrasas.
Concerns have also been raised about the commission deviating from its core mission of safeguarding child rights and becoming embroiled in controversial issues.
