States High court

‘Freedom of Speech, Not Absolute’: Allahabad HC Denies Relief for Religious Mockery

The Allahabad High Court, refusing to quash a charge sheet filed against a man for mocking a Hindu deity on social media, emphasized that freedom of speech is not absolute.

The Judge

Justice Prashant Kumar dismissed Owais Khan’s petition challenging the charge sheet. Khan had mocked Lord Shiva in a social media post.

The court asserted that such acts not only cause emotional distress but also undermine the foundational values of the country’s democratic society. It stressed the judiciary’s duty to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate legal consequences.

The Court remarked..

“In a democratic society, such as ours, where freedom of speech is held in high regard, it is imperative to understand that this freedom is not absolute. It comes with responsibilities, foremost among them being the obligation to respect the sentiments and beliefs of others. The misuse of freedom of speech to denigrate or insult religious beliefs undermines the very fabric of constitutionalism and fundamental human belief upon which our society is built,” said the court.

The court highlighted that the principle of secularism, enshrined in the Constitution, underscores the importance of fostering an environment of mutual understanding and acceptance among individuals holding diverse beliefs and identities. It emphasized that the secular fabric of the nation demands individuals to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that may cause harm or offense to any religious community.

“In a society that values religious pluralism and mutual respect, it is incumbent upon individuals to exercise prudence and refrain from actions that may cause unwarranted offense or hurt the sentiments of others,” it added.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, Other Courts, International, Opinion Analysis

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

3 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

4 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

5 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

5 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

6 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

6 hours ago