By Abu Zafar, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The two former members of banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) have requested the special tribunal of Justice V.K. Shali through their counsel on Friday to direct the Union Government to hold all sittings of the tribunal in Delhi as travelling across the country is much expensive and time taking.
The ex-SIMI members who are appearing before the tribunal on behalf of the group also urged the tribunal to look into only those cases which have been registered during 7th Feb 2010 to 3rd Feb 2012. The application of the ex-SIMI members says that the organization has been banned earlier this year on the ground of the developments in the last two years period then there is no reason to go into all details since 2001 when the group was banned first time. But Amarjit Singh Chandhok, Additional Solicitor General of India opposed their plea saying their activities are continuous and it is not possible to bring all witnesses here in Delhi. The tribunal will decide the matter on Monday.
The ex-SIMI members also sought withdrawal of all the cases which have been registered throughout the country under section 10 and 13 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) urging the tribunal to consider the Supreme Court judgment which says ‘Merely being a member of banned outfit is not a crime’.