MUMBAI: Bombay High Court on Tuesday made an "earnest appeal" to religious leaders of different Shia sects to consider not using children of tender age for performing Matam in Moharrum procession on December 14.

A division bench of Justice V M Kanade and Justice Revati Mohite-Dere also accepted the statement made by advocate-general Sunil Manohar that the processions will be videographed and police will "intervene in extremely serious cases." Manohar had requested the court that no order be passed and that the procession may be permitted to take place as scheduled. He said the government will "hold talks will be held with religious leaders to try to find a solution."

The court heard a public interest litigation by Faisal Banarasiwalla and Abdul Qureshi "to save children" from injuries by sharp weapons, blades, knives and swords in the name of Matam during the 40 days. The petition said during Matam "an infant’s forehead is cut with a sharp weapon and bled", and in some places "they are made to walk on burning coals.”

Advocates, who appeared for various Shia bodies who intervened, argued they have been performing matam in such manner "since 1300 years". They also questioned if the petitioners "can tell if any person has been injured." They said the PIL is motivated as the petitioners were rival Sunnis.

Regarding the apprehension of petitioner's advocate Gunratan Sadavarte about threats received by him and his clients and also objections raised to petitioners, the judges disposed of the PIL saying they are not passing any order. They however converted it into a suo motu PIL "since it is concerning children" and directed all the intervenors to be added as respondents. The judges said, "the issue can be resolved through dialogue with religious leaders who are also aware of all problems."

The bench also directed that that the name of an advocate from Shia community be suggested who can assist the court in a "dispassionate manner."

The next hearing is posted on January 13, 2014 and the State has been directed to file an additional affidavit after the procession is over.