Plea to remove Afzal Guru’s grave from Tihar Jail rejected

**Plea to Remove Afzal Guru’s Grave from Tihar Jail Rejected**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 24, 2025 | 02:12 PM*

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**Overview**

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of the graves of convicted terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat from Tihar Jail. The petitioners contended that maintaining the graves of these terrorists within a state-run prison was illegal and unconstitutional, urging judicial intervention to relocate the remains. They argued that such graves could encourage glorification of terrorism and lead to misuse of prison premises.

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**Judicial Stance: Decision Reserved for Competent Authorities**

The Delhi High Court observed that the matter involves sensitive decisions which were taken by the government at the time of execution. The court emphasized that reopening such issues after more than a decade is unwarranted.

It was noted that only competent authorities have the jurisdiction to decide on such matters. The court further highlighted that without specific legislation banning burials or cremations inside prison premises, judicial intervention is not justified.

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**Concerns Raised by Petitioners**

The petitioners, Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and Jitendra Singh, argued that the presence of the graves has transformed Tihar Jail into a “radical pilgrimage” site. According to them, extremist elements visit the prison to venerate these convicted terrorists, which in turn undermines national security and public order.

They asserted that this scenario sanctifies terrorism and violates the principles of secularism and the rule of law enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Additionally, they cited violations of the Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018.

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**Health and Security Arguments**

The plea also claimed that the burial of the bodies within prison grounds poses risks of infectious and hazardous diseases to inmates and staff.

For context, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged at Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, for the murder of a policeman, and his body was buried on the prison premises. Mohammad Afzal Guru, a key conspirator in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack that resulted in nine deaths, was executed in February 2013 at Tihar Jail, with his body similarly buried on site.

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**Conclusion**

The Delhi High Court’s refusal to interfere leaves the graves of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat at Tihar Jail intact, affirming that decisions regarding their location rest with appropriate governmental authorities and legislative frameworks.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/hc-dismisses-plea-to-remove-afzal-guru-s-grave-from-tihar/story