How can a fugitive seek clubbing of FIRs: Centre questions Zakir Naik plea in SC
New Delhi, Oct 16: The Centre on Wednesday questioned before the Supreme Court the maintainability of a plea filed by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik seeking clubbing of FIRs filed in different states over his purported statements during the Ganapati festival in 2012.
Appearing before a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked how a person who was declared a fugitive, file a plea under Article 32 of the Constitution.
"I was told by his advocate that they are withdrawing the matter. Our counter was ready," said Mehta.
The lawyer representing Naik said he hadn't received any such instruction to withdraw the matter and the plea sought clubbing of about 43 cases registered across states.
The counsel further said there were six FIRs pending against his client and he would move the high court for quashing of the same.
Following the submissions, the top court directed Naik's counsel to file an affidavit stating whether he would pursue the case or withdraw it while asking Mehta to file a reply in the matter. The hearing has been posted on October 23.
Naik, who is currently abroad, is also being probed by the National Investigation Agency for alleged terror activities.
Naik was born in Mumbai but he fled India in the wake of July 1, 2016 bombing at a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is accused of allegedly spreading hatred among different communities through his Peace TV and social media networks, where he has over 20 million followers. He is stated to be residing in Malaysia at the moment.
Over 20 people were killed in the blast in Dhaka and one of the bombers had reportedly claimed to have been inspired by Naik’s speeches.
Some of the youths who joined the Islamic State, had allegedly said that they were attracted to the Middle-East’s deadliest terror group after meeting the controversial preacher.
Naik has denied his role in any of these incidents.
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Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals.
According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams.
Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets.
"Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association.
"The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals," Gandhi said.
Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce.
"Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added.
Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.
