‘NSS’ camp case: Chhattisgarh High Court refuses to quash proceedings against professor accused of forcing Hindu students to offer namaz

(NSS – National Service Scheme)

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) – The Chhattisgarh High Court has refused to quash the FIR and criminal proceedings filed against a professor over allegations that Hindu students were forced to offer namaz during a National Service Scheme (NSS) camp in Bilaspur. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindrakumar Agarwal declined to interfere with the order of the lower court.

The court observed that the professor would have the opportunity to present his defence during the trial. It stated that arguments regarding absence from the spot or lack of administrative responsibility could be raised at the stage of evidence and hearing. Intervening at this stage, the court noted, would amount to expressing a premature opinion on the facts and evidence of the case.

What is the case ?

During a seven-day NSS camp at Guru Ghasidas Central University, Muslim students were asked to offer namaz on stage on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Eid). It has been alleged that Hindu students were compelled to participate in the act without their consent.

Following a preliminary inquiry, the police registered an offence and later filed a chargesheet. The chargesheet also named Dilip Jha, who was serving as the project coordinator. He challenged the action in court, claiming that he had no executive role at the site and was not present at the venue at the time of the incident.