![]() The petitioner repeatedly demeans the Hindu community”. The distinction is made solely on the ground of religion. He is clearly pitting one group against the other. He is putting them on one side and the Christians and Muslims on the other. The Madras HC judge said, “a reading of the petitioner’s speech as a whole does not leave anyone in doubt. The Court dismissed the Father’s claim that he was making religious criticism, noting that the speech was punishable under Section 153A of the IPC for promoting communal disharmony. By referring to Bharat Mata and Bhumi Devi in the most offensive terms, the petitioner has prima facie committed offence under 295A of the IPC.” She is, to many Hindus, a Goddess in her own right. She is often portrayed carrying the national flag and riding a lion. Having said this, Justice GR Swaminathan added: “Bharat Mata evokes a deeply emotional veneration in a very large number of Hindus. The punitive penalty would be invoked if the offensive words offend the religious sensibilities or beliefs of even a small section of Hindus. It is not necessary for all Hindus to be incensed. He further added that when religious feelings and beliefs of any class of individuals are attacked, Section 295A of the IPC is invoked. Nothing can be more outrageous to the feelings of the believing Hindus”. He stated that Christians wear shoes so that they won’t catch sources of infection and filth. Thus, quashing the plea, the Madras HC observed: “The petitioner poked fun at those who walk barefoot out of reverence for Mother Earth. Justice GR Swaminathan observed that the offensive words used against “Bharat Mata” and “Bhumi Devi” attract the offence of hurting religious sentiments under Section 295A of the Indian Penal. George Ponnaiah, the Catholic priest from Kanyakumari had moved the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court in August last year, seeking bail and quashing of the FIR registered against him. Offensive Words Against ‘Bharat Mata’ & ‘Bhuma Devi’ Attract Offence Under Section 295A IPC : Madras High Court Refuses To Quash FIR Against Catholic Priest - Live Law January 7, 2022 The Madras HC bench of GR Swaminathan was hearing pastor George Ponnaiah’s plea seeking to quash the FIR filed against him under various sections including 143, 153A, 269, 295A, 505(2), 506(1) of IPC and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 for making derogatory remarks against ‘Bharat Mata’, Hindu religious beliefs, and against PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah, during a meeting at Arumanai on July 18. The Madras HC observed that offensive words used against ‘Bharat Mata’ and ‘Bhumi Devi’ attract offence under Section 295A of the IPC, reports Live Law. The Madras High Court has refused to quash the FIR filed against the Tamil Nadu Catholic priest named Father George Ponnaiah who was arrested in July last year for his hate speech targeting the Hindu community. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |