Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Bombay HC Quashes SDPI Workers' Externment Orders
The Bombay High Court has canceled the orders that forced two members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to leave Mumbai for a year.
The court said these orders were illegal and unfair because they were based on protests and slogans, not any actual harm.
The court also questioned why only SDPI members were targeted when other political parties were involved in the same protests.
The court emphasized that everyone has the right to express their opinions, even if they disagree with government decisions.
The police argued that the SDPI members were linked to a banned group and their actions could cause trouble, but the court did not find enough evidence to support this.
Bombay High Court quashes externment orders against two SDPI functionaries, calling them illegal and discriminatory.
The externment orders were based on three FIRs related to protests against the Waqf Bill, cement godowns in Chembur-Govandi, and the Babri Masjid issue.
The court questioned the selective action against SDPI members, noting that other political parties involved in the same protests were not targeted.
The court emphasized that mere slogans and protests without permission do not justify externment and that citizens have the right to express their opinions.
The Mumbai Police justified the externment orders by citing the petitioners' alleged links to the banned PFI, but the court found no mention of this in the show-cause notice.
- Who
- Firoz Abdul Wahab Khan and Mohammad Rafiq Gulam Rasul Ansari (SDPI functionaries), Mumbai Police, Bombay High Court
- What
- Bombay High Court quashes externment orders against SDPI workers, calling them illegal and discriminatory.
- When
- December 3, 2025 (externment orders), Tuesday (court hearing)
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- The externment orders were based on mere slogans and not on any damage to person or property, and were selective and discriminatory against SDPI.
SDPI and Petitioners
Mumbai Police and Government
Legality of Externment Orders
SDPI and Petitioners
The externment orders are illegal and violate fundamental rights, as they are based on mere slogans and not on any damage to person or property.
Mumbai Police and Government
The externment orders are justified because the petitioners' actions are creating hatred and may lead to a breach of peace.
Selective Action Against SDPI
SDPI and Petitioners
The action is selective and discriminatory, as other political parties involved in the same protests were not targeted.
Mumbai Police and Government
The action is not selective but based on the petitioners' alleged links to the banned PFI and their anti-national activities.
- Petitioners
- Firoz Abdul Wahab Khan and Mohammad Rafiq Gulam Rasul Ansari
- Externment Orders Issued
- December 3, 2025
- FIRs Cited
- Waqf Bill, cement godowns in Chembur-Govandi, Babri Masjid issue
- Section Cited for Externment
- Section 56 of the Maharashtra Police Act
- Court's Observation
- Externment is an extraordinary measure and must comply with statutory requirements.
- Court's Decision
- Set aside the externment orders as totally illegal.
