Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Allahabad High Court Grants Relief to BBC Journalist in Mosque Demolition Case
The Allahabad High Court helped a BBC journalist, Mohammad Seraj Ali, who had trouble getting his passport renewed.
He had been named in a case about a report on the demolition of a mosque.
The court said a lower court made mistakes when it denied him a passport renewal, as they did not follow guidelines.
Now, Seraj can apply again for his passport, and the passport office must make a decision quickly.
However, he still needs to ask the lower court before he travels outside of India.
The Allahabad High Court granted relief to BBC journalist Mohammad Seraj Ali.
The case involved his report on the demolition of a mosque in Barabanki.
The court quashed the trial court's orders denying passport renewal.
Seraj can now reapply for passport and the passport office must decide within a month.
He needs permission from the trial court to travel abroad.
- Who
- Allahabad High Court, Mohammad Seraj Ali, Barabanki courts, and the Regional Passport Office.
- What
- The Allahabad High Court granted relief to BBC journalist Mohammad Seraj Ali, allowing him to reapply for passport renewal after earlier denials.
- When
- The court case began in 2021 with the mosque demolition report; the recent ruling was made by the Allahabad High Court.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, specifically Barabanki district and the Allahabad High Court.
- Why
- The High Court overturned the trial court's decisions regarding passport renewal to grant relief to the journalist and ensure the legal process was followed.
Journalist's Perspective
Government Stance
Passport Restrictions
Journalist's Perspective
Journalist's passport renewal should not be restricted due to pending criminal case, especially if proper legal guidelines are not followed.
Government Stance
The journalist's passport renewal was justifiably denied, given the pending criminal case against him.
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Journalist
- Mohammad Seraj Ali
- Case
- Reportage on mosque demolition
- Action
- High Court overturned trial court orders denying passport renewal
- Outcome
- Allowed Seraj to reapply for passport
