Summary The decision was taken after a meeting between police officers and Shia clerics. Photo courtesy: WSJ
(Web Desk) - The Bombay High Court has asked the police to ensure that no children are hurt during the annual Muharram procession.
According to a report in India Today minors would be permitted to take part in the religious possession but would not be allowed to carry sharp objects or real weapons such as swords, knifes or blades. Instead they would be given other non harmful objects during the event.
This decision was made after a meeting was held between the additional police commissioner of south region and Muslim clerics of the Shia sect (All India Idara-e-Tahafuz-e-Hussainaith) on 21st July in which it was determined that the safety of children during Muharram would be ensured and that the entire possession would be held in a peaceful environment.
After the meeting the Additional Commissioner of Police (South region) Pravin Padval submitted a report to the court which stated that children taking part in the possession “shall not be forced to injure themselves. Minors will not be allowed to inflict injuries on themselves and no one else would be permitted to injure the minors. The procession will be video- graphed,”
A Muharram procession in Agra,India. Photo courtesy: Indian Express
The issue of children’s safety during Muharram came after a Bombay High Court division bench of Justice R M Savant and Justice Sadhna Jadhav took note of the presence of children in an event that often involves self flagellation.
The month of Muharram is regarded by Shia Muslims as an especially holy time for mourning due to its association with the Battle of Karbala.
