Clarification: Why Maulana Vastanvi was dismissed by Majlis Shura?

Source: http://www.darululoom-deoband.com/english/index.htm

Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi was appointed as Mohtamim on 10 Jan 2011 by the Majlis-e-Shura with majority. But immediately after the appointment, the decision was opposed across the country and Shura was demanded to review it. Later, when Maulana Vastanvi visited Deoband as Mohtamim of Darul Uloom Deoband, disturbances surfaced in Darul Uloom as well. As the situation worsened, Maulana Vastanvi wrote letter to all the members of Majlis Shura in which he explained the situation and concluded in his own words:

“Therefore, the meeting of Majlis Shura will be held in Darul Uloom on 19 Rabi al-Awwal 1432 (23 Feb 2011) Wed, so that I offer my resignation in the meeting. Then the Majlis can decide the future course of action regarding for Darul Uloom."

This letter bears the signature of Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi. It apparently reads that Maulana Vastanvi himself took the decision of resignation after examining the situation. He called the emergency meeting of Majlis Shura on 23 Feb 2011 only to produce his resignation so that the Majlis can decide the future course of action. It was not a routine meeting, because the previous meeting was held just one a half month before.

Later, when the meeting of 23 Feb was held and Maulana was asked to resign as per his promise, Maulana proposed to set up a probe committee. The members questioned him whether he will resign if the report of the committee favours him.  In reply, Maulana stressed repeatedly said that he will resign whatever the report of committee will be. Thus, a three-member committee was formed and it was asked to submit its report after examining the situation. The committee was not given authority to take any decision. It is imperative to note that only after Maulana announced to step down, the series of disturbances and oppositions ended on the assurance that Maulana would resign after the committee submits its report.

Hence, the report of probe committee was included in the agenda of 23, 24 July Majlis Shura meeting. And when the report was tabled, it included the following paragraph that:

"…It should be noted down that we have not written anything in this report on our behalf. Neither anyone has been supported nor has anyone has been criticized or commented due to prejudice. Rather this matter was primarily left to the Majlis Shura."

This report had the signatures of the trio committee members. This report consisted these five points:
(1)   The charges levelled against Maulana Vastanvi along with evidences and proofs, the abridgment of statements of Students’ Union and other individuals from across the country
(2)   The summary of the letters and statements that supported Maulana Vastanvi
(3)   The removal of accusations and attempts to defend from Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi and others
(4)   The necessary points of the details of the disturbances and agitations from the students of Darul Uloom Deoband
(5)   A few worth consideration proposals for the deliberation of Majlis Shura

A report that included these points cannot be regarded incomplete in any means. Now, if these points were to be discussed separately in the meeting, it would have taken long time and yielding no substantial result. Hence, the members of the Majlis Shura draw the attention of Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi towards the decision of Majlis held on 23 Feb that the report has been submitted and you promised firmly that whatever the report may be you would resign. So, he was requested to resign on the pretext of his busy schedule so that the issue is closed. He was assured that the Majlis will not put any charge on him. Maulana was persuaded by all means, but he kept on refusing to resign citing that the report was incomplete. Finally, the president of the meeting said that now no other option was left except to bring a proposal to dismiss Maulana Vastanvi from his post. When the decision of this proposal was finalized, Maulana Vastanvi left the meeting hall saying that he was going out for half an hour. However, the proposal of Maulana Vastanvi's removal from the post of VC was prepared and 9 members of the Majlis (out of 13) signed in its favour while 4 members signed it with their note of dissent.

No sooner did Maulana come after the voting, he was informed of the decision. He announced in the meeting that he accepts the decision though it goes against him and he would not drag this matter to the court. He also congratulated Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the newly elected Mohtamim (VC). He joined the final dua and saw the Press Note and said that it was alright.

As a rule, if there is no consensus of opinion, may it be the meeting of Majlis Shura or Majlis Aamila (working committee), the decision is taken on the basis of majority, and it is declared as the decision of Majlis Shura. It is not appropriate in any way to criticize it outside the Majlis.

The above-mentioned clarification made it clear that the offer of resignation was made from Maulana Vastanvi himself due to the circumstances. And when the probe committee was mentioned in the agenda, it could not be said that this issue was missing in the agenda; since the resignation of Maulana was interconnected with the submission of the probe committee report. The resignation was not conditioned with the debate or contents of the report. Resignation means separation from the post, and when Maulana Vastanvi was not willing to leave himself, Majlis Shura was compelled to dismiss him.

Issued by: VC Office, Darul Uloom Deoband