Dawoodi Bohra community is in discussion. The reason for the discussion is the process of boycott in the community. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter. Know, what is the practice of boycott associated with Dawoodi Bohra community, when and why this is done, why the matter reached the Supreme Court …
Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Sahab, 53rd religious leader of Dawoodi Bohra community.
Dawoodi Bohra community is in discussion. The reason for the discussion is the process of boycott in the community. Supreme Court is hearing it. The issue of boycott practice in the Dawoodi Bohra community has been mentioned in the petition. The next hearing will be on October 11. In the hearing, the Supreme Court will decide whether the boycott practice in this community is protected under the Constitution or not.
What is the practice of boycott associated with Dawoodi Bohra community, when and why this is done, why did the matter reach the Supreme Court? Know the answers to these questions…
Who is Dawoodi Bohra Community?
The Dawoodi Bohra community is a member of the Shia Muslim community. Their leader is called al-Dai al-Mutlaq. In the last 400 years, his religious leader is being elected from India itself. At present, the 53rd religious leader of this community is Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Sahab. There are 1 million people of this community worldwide. Most of the people of Bohra community are traders. In India, most of the people of this community live in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. At the same time, apart from India, they also have a large number in Pakistan, UK, America, Dubai, Iraq and Saudi.
What is the practice of social boycott?
Like every society, Dawoodi Bohra society also has a head. Who is called Dharma Guru. Whether they live in any corner of the world, it is necessary for all the people of the community to follow their orders. An identity card is also issued to all the members by the community which confirms their identity. If a member does not follow the orders of the religious guru, then action is taken against him.
Taking action against him, social boycott is done. That person is not allowed to participate in mosques, graveyards, madrasas, social and religious activities associated with Dawoodi Bohra society. This is known as boycott practice. Although some people of the society have also opposed this practice, but it was not stopped.
Bombay Boycott Prevention Act made in 1949
The Bombay Prevention of Boycott Act was brought in 1949 to prevent such practices in different communities so that people are not deprived of their rights. After this, leaders of many communities challenged this law in the court. At the same time, a member of Dawoodi Bohra society filed a petition and called some orders of the religious leader illegal.
Supreme Court’s decision in 1962
The matter reached the Supreme Court. It was argued by the religious leaders that the power of boycott has been a part of religious matters. To deprive them of its power and prevent it from making it a punishable offence. It was also argued in the court that this practice is not arbitrary in any way. Religious leader Sardar Syedna Tahir Saifuddin Sahab said, this law violates the fundamental rights related to religion under Article 25 of the Constitution.
In response to the argument of the religious leaders, it was also said that the Quran does not allow boycott and it is against the spirit of Islam. In 1962, the Supreme Court held that the practice was an essential part of the community and the power to excommunicate was to enforce discipline and preserve the community, not to punish. The court said in its order, the Bombay Boycott Prevention Act, 1949 is not in accordance with the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has recently said that the court will now consider whether this practice will continue as per the 1962 Constitution Bench order. October 11 has been fixed for hearing.
Read more- news of knowledge