Karnataka HC quashes FIR against three men accused of 'preaching Islam' near temple premises
Bengaluru, Jul 25 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has quashed a First Information Report (FIR) filed against three Muslim men who were accused of "preaching Islam" and distributing religious pamphlets near a Hindu temple in Jamkhandi, Bagalkot district.
The complaint had alleged that the men attempted religious conversion by making promises of employment and passed derogatory remarks about Hinduism.
However, the High Court held that there was no substantial evidence of coercion, fraud, or inducement--criteria necessary for prosecution under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
The court made it clear that mere expression or distribution of religious literature does not amount to an offence unless accompanied by forceful or deceitful attempts to convert.
"The essence of a free society lies in the freedom to express, discuss, and propagate beliefs," the bench observed.
It further stated that peaceful preaching, in the absence of coercion or allurement, is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess and propagate one's religion.
Additionally, the bench noted that the complainant in the case was neither the alleged victim nor a relative of one. As per Section 4 of the 2022 Act, only an aggrieved individual or their close relatives are permitted to lodge such complaints--making the FIR procedurally invalid.
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Kasaragod: Father kills teen daughter over family feud, arrested
Kasaragod: An 18-year-old girl was allegedly hacked to death by her father following a family dispute at Kunjathur, Thuminad near Manjeshwara on Tuesday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Jumaila, a resident of Thuminad. Police said the accused, Umar Farooq, has been arrested in connection with the murder.
According to police sources, Jumaila was found lying in a pool of blood after neighbours rushed to the house on hearing her screams.
She was shifted to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.
Locals said that Umar Farooq, who had been working abroad, returned to the village about three months ago.
Since his return, the family had been involved in frequent disputes, reportedly over property-related issues.
Police officials visited the spot and have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
