SC Seeks Karnataka’s Response on Quashed ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Slogan Case in Mosque

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Karnataka government over a High Court order that quashed a case involving two individuals who raised “Jai Shri Ram” slogans inside a mosque in South Kannada district. The incident had initially led to an FIR on charges of hurting religious sentiments, but the High Court eventually dismissed the case. The Supreme Court, however, has refused to issue a formal notice to the state at this stage, instead opting for a direct response.

Case Background

According to the petitioner, two persons entered a mosque in South Kannada district and shouted "Jai Shri Ram." Claiming the act could hurt religious sentiments, a case was filed against them. The High Court later annulled the proceedings on the grounds that no deliberate attempt to wound religious feelings was established. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging this quashing of charges as against the High Court's judgment.

Court's Objection

In the course of this hearing, the Supreme Court interrogated how the act would amount to an offense. The counsels for the petitioner argued that the permission given to the slogans of a particular community in the sacred space of another community may initiate communal conflicts. After this small interaction, the Supreme Court asked the Karnataka government why it did not oppose High Court's judgment.

In its judgment, the Karnataka High Court observed that chanting "Jai Shri Ram" alone does not, by itself, constitute religious enmity or hurt feelings, especially since the complainant admitted that the Hindu-Muslim relationship in the local area was amicable. Hence, the High Court directed that criminal proceedings were not warranted.

Further Action

The Supreme Court has called upon the Karnataka government to explain its stand. Once that is done, it is going to revisit the issue and may set the stage for a substantive discussion of whether such acts in a place of worship can—and should—be treated as a criminal offense.