SC Turns Down Gujarat FIR Against MP Imran Pratapgarhi

In a decisive position for free speech, the Supreme Court on Friday condemned the Gujarat Police for filing an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi regarding a poem he shared on social media.

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The Court annulled the FIR, emphasizing that freedom of speech and expression can't be restricted due to the sensitivities of those who are offended by minor critiques.

The Bench, composed of Justice AS Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, remarked that the crime of inciting hostility between religious groups under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita must not be assessed by the standards of "fragile minds" but should be examined from the viewpoint of "undaunted minds."

"Police officers, as citizens, must uphold constitutional rights. Offences under Section 196 BNS ought not to be assessed by those who view every critique as an assault," the Court maintained.