Bombay HC Quashes Externment Order Against SDPI Member

The Bombay High Court has quashed the externment order issued against Firoz Abdul Wahab Khan, a member of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), on July 29, 2026.

The court held that expressing the view that the Babri Masjid should not have been demolished is not an anti-national act. Justice Madhav Jamdar set aside the externment order passed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police and confirmed by the Divisional Commissioner, Konkan Division.

The externment proceedings were initiated after Khan allegedly participated in activities linked to the SDPI and made statements that the Babri Masjid demolition was wrong. The police claimed his activities were likely to disturb public order and sought his externment.

The High Court rejected this reasoning, observing that merely expressing such an opinion could not be treated as anti-national or as a threat to public order. The Court noted that citizens are entitled to hold and express differing opinions so long as they do not incite violence or disturb public peace.

The Court found that the authorities had failed to place sufficient material on record to establish that Khan's presence posed any real danger warranting externment under the Maharashtra Police Act. It noted that the externment order was based on vague allegations and lacked the objective material required by law.

The bench reiterated that externment is a serious measure that curtails a person's liberty and therefore must be supported by credible evidence demonstrating a genuine threat to public order. Finding that the statutory requirements had not been met, the Court quashed the original externment order and the appellate order confirming it, allowing the writ petition.

The Babri Masjid demolition has been a contentious issue in India, with many people expressing strong opinions on the matter. The Bombay High Court's ruling highlights the importance of protecting citizens' right to free speech and expression, as long as they do not incite violence or disturb public peace.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is a political party that has been involved in various social and political issues in India. The party has been critical of the government's handling of certain issues, including the Babri Masjid demolition.

The Maharashtra Police Act provides for the externment of individuals who are deemed to be a threat to public order. However, the Act also requires that the authorities provide sufficient evidence to justify the externment order.

In this case, the Court found that the authorities had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the externment order against Khan. The Court's ruling is a significant victory for the SDPI and its members, who have been facing various challenges and controversies in recent times.

The ruling also highlights the importance of protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, including the right to free speech and expression. The Court's decision is likely to have significant implications for similar cases in the future, and will be closely watched by civil liberties groups and human rights activists.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's ruling in this case is a significant development that highlights the importance of protecting citizens' rights and freedoms. The Court's decision is likely to have significant implications for similar cases in the future, and will be closely watched by civil liberties groups and human rights activists.