**Delhi High Court Rejects Plea to Remove Afzal Guru’s Grave from Tihar Jail**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 24, 2025 | 02:12 PM*
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 within a state-run facility was illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that relocating the remains would help prevent the glorification of terrorism and misuse of prison premises.
### Judicial Stance
The Delhi High Court observed that decisions regarding the burial or cremation of inmates are sensitive and were made by the government at the time of execution. The court emphasized that such matters cannot be reopened after a lapse of over a decade. It stated that only competent authorities have the jurisdiction to make decisions on these issues, and judicial intervention is unwarranted without specific legislation prohibiting burial or cremation within prison grounds.
### Petitioners’ Concerns
The petitioners, Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and Jitendra Singh, argued that the presence of the graves has effectively turned Tihar Jail into a “radical pilgrimage” site for extremist elements venerating convicted terrorists. They claimed this development undermines national security and public order, besides violating the Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018.
The plea further stated that sanctifying terrorism in this manner goes against the principles of secularism and the rule of law enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
### Health and Legal Issues Raised
Additionally, the petitioners raised concerns about health risks, asserting that the burials pose potential threats of infectious and hazardous diseases to inmates and prison staff.
### Background
Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged at Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, for the murder of a policeman, with his body buried on the prison premises. Mohammad Afzal Guru, a key conspirator in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack that killed nine people, was executed in February 2013 at Tihar Jail. His grave is also located within the jail complex.
The Delhi High Court’s rejection of the plea maintains the status quo, leaving the graves as they are, with the matter placed firmly in the hands of the competent governmental authorities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/hc-dismisses-plea-to-remove-afzal-guru-s-grave-from-tihar/story
