Karnataka HC declines to implead Al-Jamia Society in contempt case

BENGALURU, Oct 1 : The Karnataka High Court has declined to implead Al-Jamia Mohammediyah Education Society in a contempt case, while taking on record submissions made on behalf of the society that there were internal disputes within its management and that there had been no diversion or misuse of sanctioned funds.

A division bench comprising Justice Jayant Banerji and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju passed the order on September 24 on an application filed by the society, represented by Khalid Mushir Ahmed.

In his affidavit, Ahmed referred to disputes between different sections of the society and pending civil proceedings. He also brought to the court's notice earlier proceedings before the Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra, stating that an order in the matter was subsequently challenged before the Supreme Court, where the Special Leave Petition was dismissed.

The society submitted that the proceedings were relevant to the issues raised by the complainant and that it should be heard before any finding or direction was made concerning its registration, identity, management or functioning.

It further submitted that utilisation certificates for certain amounts had been furnished to the concerned department and maintained that there had been no diversion or misuse of the sanctioned funds.

The High Court, however, declined to implead the society, observing that the present matter was a contempt petition and that the immediate issue before it was whether the accused had deliberately disobeyed an earlier court order.

The court's order does not record any finding against the society regarding the allegations concerning its management or functioning.

Meanwhile, the Bench deferred framing of charges against the accused as the criminal investigation into the matter is still pending.

The court noted that a complaint had been registered at Kothanur Police Station on January 27, 2026, but the charge sheet had not yet been filed. It directed the Bengaluru Commissioner of Police to ensure that the investigation, which had taken considerable time, was completed without unnecessary delay.

The matter has been posted for November 17, when the court will be informed about the progress of the investigation and compliance with its direction concerning the deposit of Rs 5 lakh.