A Malerkotla district court in Punjab sentenced AAP MLA Naresh Yadav to two years in prison for his involvement in a 2016 Quran desecration case, alongside co-accused Vijay and Gaurav Kumar. Yadav faced renewed legal challenges after a successful appeal. The case highlights the sensitivity of religious sentiments and communal harmony in India.
Chandigarh: In a significant development, a Malerkotla district court in Punjab sentenced AAP MLA from Mehrauli, Delhi, Naresh Yadav, to two years of imprisonment in connection with a 2016 Quran desecration case. The verdict, delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Parminder Singh Grewal, also imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on Yadav.
The court convicted Yadav under Sections 295A, 153A, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), relating to acts that outrage religious feelings, promote enmity, and criminal conspiracy. Two co-accused, Vijay Kumar and Gaurav Kumar, also had their two-year sentences upheld, while another accused, Nand Kishore, was acquitted.
Yadav, who was acquitted by a lower court in March 2021, faced renewed legal challenges after complainant Mohammad Ashraf appealed against his acquittal.
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The case dates back to June 24, 2016, when torn pages of the Quran were found scattered on a road in Malerkotla. The discovery led to widespread unrest, including violent protests and vehicle burnings. Initially, the police booked Vijay, Gaurav, and Nand Kishore. Later, Yadav was also arrested following allegations of his involvement.
Yadav appeared in court when the sentence was pronounced on Saturday.
This case underscores the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in India and highlights the judiciary’s role in addressing acts that provoke communal tensions. Convictions under Section 295A are particularly noteworthy as they involve deliberate actions aimed at outraging religious feelings—a serious offense under Indian law.
As this verdict reverberates across political and legal circles, it raises questions about accountability and the need to uphold harmony amidst divisive incidents.
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