Shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' Inside Mosque Does Not Hurt Religious Feelings: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (15 October) quashed the criminal case filed against two persons accused of chanting "Jai Shri Ram" slogans inside a mosque.

While passing the order, the single division bench headed by Justice M Nagaprasanna mentioned that it was not understandable how the raising of "Jai Shri Ram" slogans would hurt the religious feelings of any community.

The accused were charged under IPC Section 295A for allegedly raising 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in a mosque.

They were also booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 447 (criminal trespass), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (common intention) and 295A (outraging religious feelings).

The bench emphasised that the complainant in the case had himself acknowledged that Hindus and Muslims were living in harmony in the concerned area.

The bench underlined that allowing further proceedings against the petitioners would become an abuse of the legal process, NDTV reported.

Referring to the Supreme Court order, the bench said any and every act will not become an offence under Section 295A of the IPC.

The police alleged that the accused entered the mosque on 24 September 2023, around 10.50 pm and shouted "Jai Shri Ram" slogans. They were also accused of making threats.

When the complaint was registered, the accused were shown as unknown persons and later the accused were taken into custody.

In response to the allegations, the accused challenged the charges by filing an appeal in the Karnataka High Court, resulting in the case being quashed.

The bench further pointed out that the complainant had stated that Hindus and Muslims lived in harmony in the area and also claimed shouting "Jai Shri Ram" slogans would flare up communal tension.

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