LUCKNOW, 16 March, 2021 (TON): For inappropriate comments against the Holy Quran, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) issued a notice to the former Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi.

The notice involved that Rizvi must tender an unconditional apology and withdraw his comments within 21 days.

The NCM has raised concerns about Rizvi's statements in the media on his plea in the Supreme Court for removal of the 26 verses from the Quran and has called it a "well-thought conspiracy to disturb communal harmony."

The NCM will hold a hearing under Section 9 of the NCM Act of 1992 and take appropriate legal action, in response to failing Rizvi's apology within the stipulated time, said the notice sent by Joint Secretary, central government, Daniel E Richards.

Complaints to NCM were made by one Abdul Majid Nizami, Ali Raza Zaidi, Mohd Faizan Chaudhary, and Maulana Syed Nazar Abbas.

The ICM concluded after receiving complaints that statements were "provocative, malicious, against the national interest and creating animosity between different sects of Muslims and against rights of religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution of India."

 The NCM further pointed out that Rizvi's statements violate Section 153 A and Section 295 A of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), the notice came later.