Tablighi Jamaat: Delhi court allows foreigners from 5 countries to walk free on fine

Metropolitan Magistrate Dev Choudhary allowed foreigners from Djibouti, Mali, Kenya and 17 Sri Lankans to walk free on payment of a fine of ₹5,000 each

A deserted look at Nizamuddin area, as the Tablighi Jamaat Centre at Nizamuddin has been blocked since the building was evacuated in March 2020, in New Delhi on May 29, 2020.

A Delhi court Tuesday allowed foreign nationals from five countries to walk free on payment of different fines, after they accepted mild charges under the plea bargain process, related to various violations including visa norms while attending Tablighi Jamaat congregation here during the COVID-19 lockdown, a lawyer said.

However, three Sri Lankans as also other foreigners from Nigeria and Tanzania claimed trial before the Court, said the lawyer.

Metropolitan Magistrate Dev Choudhary allowed foreigners from Djibouti, Mali, Kenya and 17 Sri Lankans to walk free on payment of a fine of ₹5,000 each, said advocate Ashima Mandla, appearing for them.

Metropolitan Magistrate Akash allowed some Myanmar nationals to walk free on payment of a fine of 5,000 each, while others claimed trial before the court, said advocate Fahim Khan, representing them.

Under plea bargaining, the accused plead guilty to the offence praying for a lesser punishment.