City police informed the Bombay High Court that they took action against nine persons for injuring themselves during the recent Muharram procession.
These men were fined Rs. 1,200 each, an affidavit filed by the police department said.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on participation of children in the ‘Matam’ (mourning) ritual of Muharram, where devotees flagellate themselves.
According to the police, no children took part in the procession this year.
The division bench headed by Justice V M Kanade adjourned the matter to February 9 for final hearing.
The court had on the last occasion advised the Muslim religious leaders to look into the issue. The bench did not pass any order while allowing the procession of December 14, 2014.
Advocate General Sunil Manohar had assured the HC that the procession would be videographed by police and they would step in if serious injuries were caused to children.
Muharram marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala in which Imam Hussein Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was killed.
Advocate Gunratan Sadavarte, the petitioner’s lawyer, has argued that participants inflict bodily injuries on themselves and it should be banned.
