Refusing to quash the charge sheet filed against a man for mocking a Hindu deity on social media, the Allahabad High Court on Friday said freedom of expression is not absolute.
Justice Prashant Kumar dismissed the petition filed by Owais Khan, who had challenged the charge sheet against him. Khan had made fun of Lord Shiva in a social media post.
The court said that such acts not only cause emotional distress but also undermine the fundamental values of the country's democratic society. It said it is the duty of the judiciary to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated and will attract appropriate legal consequences.“In a democratic society like ours, where freedom of expression is given great importance, it is important to understand that this freedom is not absolute. I come with responsibilities, the most important of which is to respect people's feelings and beliefs Liabilities other.
The court said, "Misuse of freedom of expression to defame or insult religious belief undermines constitutionalism and the basic framework of fundamental human trust on which our society is built."
The court said that the principle of secularism enshrined in our Constitution underlines the importance of promoting an environment of mutual understanding and acceptance among persons having different beliefs and identities.
The secular fabric of our nation demands restraint from individuals and refrain from actions that may cause harm or offense to any religious community.The court said, "It is a fundamental duty of every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood."
"In a society that values religious pluralism and mutual respect, it is incumbent on individuals to behave prudently and avoid actions that may cause undue offense or hurt the feelings of others, especially From sensitive matters such as religious beliefs and practices," it said..
Justice Prashant Kumar dismissed the petition filed by Owais Khan, who had challenged the charge sheet against him. Khan had made fun of Lord Shiva in a social media post.
The court said that such acts not only cause emotional distress but also undermine the fundamental values of the country's democratic society. It said it is the duty of the judiciary to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated and will attract appropriate legal consequences.“In a democratic society like ours, where freedom of expression is given great importance, it is important to understand that this freedom is not absolute. I come with responsibilities, the most important of which is to respect people's feelings and beliefs Liabilities other.
The court said, "Misuse of freedom of expression to defame or insult religious belief undermines constitutionalism and the basic framework of fundamental human trust on which our society is built."
The court said that the principle of secularism enshrined in our Constitution underlines the importance of promoting an environment of mutual understanding and acceptance among persons having different beliefs and identities.
The secular fabric of our nation demands restraint from individuals and refrain from actions that may cause harm or offense to any religious community.The court said, "It is a fundamental duty of every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood."
"In a society that values religious pluralism and mutual respect, it is incumbent on individuals to behave prudently and avoid actions that may cause undue offense or hurt the feelings of others, especially From sensitive matters such as religious beliefs and practices," it said..
