Headline
The Karnataka High Court quashes a case for ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Slogans inside the Mosque against a man.
Summary
The Karnataka High Court quashed against 2 men accused of shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ inside a mosque. The Court found no evidence of criminal trespass or intention to harm or degrade the religious beliefs and stated that the incident did not affect public order.
Key Facts
- Case Name- Keerthan Kumar vs. State of Karnataka
- Judge Name: Justice M Nagaprasanna.
- The incident was that in September 2023,2 men in Dakshin Kannada district entered a mosque and raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans.
- Charges: Indian Penal Code Sections 295A (hurting religious beliefs), 447 (criminal trespass), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
- Court’s Findings:
- No intention to harm or insult religious beliefs.
- Mosque is considered a public place, ruling out criminal trespass.
- Further proceedings deemed abuse of law.
Legal Insights
The Karnataka High Court stated that for an offense under Section 295A of Indian Penal Code, the act must intentionally outrage religious feelings. Mere slogans, without causing any harm to public order, do not meet this end.
Impact
The ruling showcases the significance of judicial scrutiny to stop the misuse of penal laws for minor incidents.
Why It Matters
This case showcases the balance between freedom of expression and protection of religious feelings, focusing on the need to evaluate intent and public impact before invoking harsh legal provisions.
Source:
