PIL filed in Uttarakhand HC over alleged purification at Kharge's Haldwani meeting venue

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Uttarakhand High Court over the alleged ‘purification’ ritual conducted at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground following a public meeting addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge last month.

Baijnath, a social activist from Dehradun, filed the PIL, raising concerns over the incident and seeking preservation of electronic and documentary evidence related to it.

According to the petition, an alleged ‘purification’ ritual was carried out at the Ramlila Ground after Kharge’s public meeting on August 8. The ritual reportedly involved sprinkling Gangajal, or holy water from the Ganges, while Vedic mantras were being chanted.

The petitioner has argued that such an act in a public place could lead to social unrest and create tension.

The PIL seeks directions from the court for the preservation of all electronic and documentary evidence connected to the incident.

This includes video recordings of Kharge’s public meeting, footage showing activities at the venue after the meeting and CCTV recordings from cameras installed in and around the area.

The petitioner has also sought information about the incident under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, with the aim of establishing the circumstances and details surrounding the alleged ritual.  (with inputs from PTI)