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Synopsis

Controversial Islamic preacher and fugitive Zakir Naik has withdrawn his petition seeking clubbing of FIRs filed against him in different states over his hate speech from 2012.

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih was told today that Naik was withdrawing his plea in order to approach the High Courts for relief.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had earlier objected to Naik's plea saying, "How can a declared fugitive file a petition under Article 32?".

SG Mehta added that he was told by Naik's advocate that they were withdrawing the matter.

Naik's counsel, on the other hand, submitted he had not received any such instruction to withdraw the matter and the plea sought clubbing of about 43 cases registered across states.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih wen on to direct Naik’s counsel to file an affidavit stating whether he would pursue the case or withdraw it.

Naik, who fled India in 2016, is also being probed by the National Investigation Agency for alleged terror activities.

He is accused of allegedly spreading hatred among different communities through his Peace TV and social media networks, where he has over 20 million followers.

Case Title: Zakir Naik vs. State of Maharashtra