No need for urgent hearing in Abdul Kalam Azad-Najma Heptulla morphed photo case: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Thursday said there is "no fire" in a plea seeking urgent hearing on an ongoing case related to the alleged morphing of a photograph of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Najma Heptulla in a book published on the country's first education minister.

"This matter can wait and be heard later," Justice Rajiv Shakdher said, adding that "there is no fire in this matter that it should be heard urgently."

The court's oral observation came during hearing of the plea moved by Azad's grandnephew Firoz Bakht Ahmed, who has alleged that the morphing of the photograph was done at the instance of Heptulla when she was heading Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

His counsel Govindjee opposed the long date fixed by the judge, saying the matter be taken up in a week's time as the person involved in the case is currently holding an important position in the Cabinet.
The court, however, listed the matter for August 26.

The controversial photograph showing Azad seating with Heptulla after her graduation was published in an ICCR publication titled "Journey of a Legend, on the life of India's first Education Minister". The publication was later withdrawn by ICCR.

The petitioner alleged the photograph was morphed as Heptulla had graduated in May 1958 whereas Azad died on February 22, 1958 and pleaded with the court for a CBI inquiry in the controversy.