Supreme Court to decide if shouting "Jai Shri Ram" inside mosque constitutes an offence
New Delhi: An appeal has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Karnataka High Court's decision, which ruled that shouting "Jai Shri Ram" inside a mosque does not amount to the offence of outraging religious feelings under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case arose after two individuals, Keerthan Kumar and Sachin Kumar, allegedly entered the Badriya Juma Masjid in Kadaba Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, shouted the slogan, and threatened the local Muslim community. They were booked by the police under various provisions of the IPC, including sections 295A (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 447 (criminal trespass), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
On September 13, the Karnataka High Court quashed the criminal proceedings, stating that shouting "Jai Shri Ram" did not meet the threshold for section 295A, and did not disturb public order. The court noted that the area had a history of Hindu-Muslim harmony and emphasized that acts lacking a detrimental effect on public peace could not be considered an offence under this section.
However, the complainant has now approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court's approach was overly narrow and contrary to Supreme Court rulings. The complainant contends that the allegations, when viewed in their entirety, point to the commission of cognizable offences. Additionally, the plea argues that the High Court’s ruling could encourage antisocial elements to misuse religious slogans for inciting violence, referencing the potential misuse of such chants in mob lynchings and attacks on minorities.
The matter is scheduled for hearing before a Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Sandeep Mehta on December 16.
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Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja denied entry to sacred chamber of TN's Andal Temple; sparks row
Chennai: Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja's visit to the Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, has stirred a debate after his request to enter the temple's sanctum sanctorum was declined by priests and authorities.
Citing longstanding traditions, temple officials clarified that no devotees, regardless of status, are allowed beyond a specific point in the temple premises.
While social media buzzed with allegations that the denial was linked to Ilaiyaraaja's Dalit identity, temple authorities refuted this claim, stating the restriction applies uniformly to all visitors.
A senior government official confirmed that Ilaiyaraaja was informed of the rules at the Arthamandapam area and complied without objection. During his visit, the maestro was given a traditional welcome by temple seers, Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Jeeyar and Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami, ahead of the release of his musical composition, Divya Pasuram. He was also honored with Andal's sacred garlands and silk garments.
The Andal Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and revered for its spiritual significance, upholds strict traditions that limit access to its inner sanctum for all devotees
SHOCKING: Ilaiyaraaja denied entry✖️ to Sanctum Sanctorum and asked to get out by the priests at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple🛕 pic.twitter.com/Aii7GQPg6k
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) December 16, 2024
