VHP Ayodhya yatra: Court dismisses PIL to release people detained

Lucknow: Allahabad High Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction for the release of people detained in connection with the VHP yatra and asking to compensate them. The PIL filed by local lawyer Ranjana Agnihotri and five others was dismissed by a Lucknow bench comprising Justice Imtiyaz Murtaza and Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. [caption id=“attachment_1069567” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  This image of the VHP supporters has been used for representational purposes only. AFP. [/caption] The bench observed that the PIL was vague in nature and based on news reports without disclosing names and addresses of alleged detainees. The court said there was no need to interfere and accordingly the PIL was dismissed. Appearing on behalf of the State government additional Advocate General Madhulika Yadav opposed the PIL saying that it was not maintainable. Yadav said it was filed without proper pleading and disclosing the fact as alleged. The petitioners in their PIL, filed today, alleged that 1661 people were illegally detained under various sections of the CrPC since August 25 till date only because they were connected with the Parikrama. It sought direction to release all the persons and a compensation of Rs five lakh to all of them. The PIL also sought direction for taking appropriate action against officers and their subordinates responsible for arresting innocent people. PTI