The Delhi High Court upheld an FIR against history professor Ratan Lal for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a controversial social media post. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stated that laws penalizing such actions maintain social harmony and emphasized that free speech must be exercised responsibly, especially by intellectuals.
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court sparked controversy at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event, urging respect for Hindu practices and advocating for the Uniform Civil Code. He criticized practices like triple talaq and called for all religions to abandon harmful customs. His remarks highlighted the need for cultural respect in India.
Today(30th Sept),The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the need for separation between religion and politics while addressing petitions about the quality of ghee in Tirupati temple’s sacred laddoos. The controversy arose from allegations of animal fat in the ghee, leading to the court’s criticism of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s public comments during an ongoing investigation.
A Varanasi sessions court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi for making controversial comments linked to the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi Mosque case. The court ruled no cognizable offense was established, rejecting advocate Harishankar Pandey’s claims of the leaders inciting communal tension and hurting Hindu sentiments.
Today, On 24th July, The Bombay High Court dismissed a case involving a controversial WhatsApp message, citing growing societal sensitivity towards religious matters. Emphasizing the need for a balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious sentiments, the court highlighted challenges in regulating online communication amid increasing sensitivity towards religious content.
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Madras High Court by lawyer V Parthiban, seeking regulation of YouTube content to align with Indian laws and socio-religious beliefs. The court adjourned the hearing to allow inclusion of the Union Government and YouTube as respondents, despite opposition from the Tamil Nadu Government. The petitioner argues that YouTube lacks effective oversight for objectionable content.
The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions today challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s order for shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names. Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra argues that the directive violates constitutional rights. The move has sparked criticism and is expected to be discussed in Parliament.
The Maharashtra police today informed the Bombay High Court that charges of outraging religious sentiments would not be applied to BJP leaders’ remarks about Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, as they were not directed against Indians or any specific community within India. The court disposed of petitions seeking FIRs against the leaders for alleged inflammatory speeches in January.
Today, On 18th June,The Bombay High Court ruled that the film ‘Hamare Baarah’ does not depict objectionable content against Muslims and promotes women’s empowerment. The court acknowledged concerns and directed the removal of controversial scenes. It also addressed the need for sensitivity towards religious sentiments and highlighted the film’s focus on critical thinking and domestic violence.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s brother, Ayazuddin Siddiqui, arrested in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on charges of cheating and forgery. He is accused of submitting fake documents to the Consolidation Department. This is not the first time he has faced legal issues; in 2018, he was accused of offending religious sentiments online.