Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in Mosque Not a Crime, Karnataka High Court Shocks with Landmark Verdict!

Bengaluru — In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has dismissed a criminal case against two individuals accused of chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' inside a mosque. The court found no basis for the claim that such slogans could hurt religious sentiments, making important observations regarding the case.

Religious Sentiments Not Hurt, Says Court

A single bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna delivered the verdict after reviewing an appeal filed by the accused. The court remarked that it was incomprehensible how chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' could be construed as offensive to any community’s religious sentiments. The individuals were initially charged under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

Charges Against the Accused

The accused faced multiple charges, including IPC sections 447 (criminal trespass), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (acts done by several persons with common intent), and 295A (hurting religious sentiments). The charges were brought after an incident on September 24, 2023, when they allegedly entered the mosque and shouted slogans. The police had initially identified the accused as unknown persons but later detained them based on the complaint.

High Court’s Observations

In its ruling, the bench noted that the complainant himself stated that Hindus and Muslims in the area live in harmony. The court highlighted that allowing further proceedings in the case would amount to an abuse of legal process. The bench also referred to a Supreme Court ruling, clarifying that not every action can be considered a criminal offense under Section 295A of the IPC.

The Case at a Glance

According to the Karnataka police, the accused allegedly entered a mosque late at night on September 24, raising 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans and issuing threats. After the complaint was lodged, they were arrested. However, the accused challenged the charges in the Karnataka High Court, which ultimately ruled in their favor.

The court's decision is likely to set a precedent in cases involving religious sentiments and the legal boundaries of such claims. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony in communities where different faiths coexist peacefully.