In a recent judgement, the Karnataka High Court observed that chanting ‘Bharath Matha Ki Jai’ promotes harmony and not discord. The court quashed proceedings against five persons who were accused under various sections of the IPC. The petitioners were attacked by a group for raising the slogan while they were returning from celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s victory in 2024.
The court highlighted the misuse of IPC section 153A in the case, where enmity between different religious groups was alleged. The court noted that chanting ‘Bharath Matha Ki Jai’ cannot promote disharmony or enmity among religions. The petitioners argued that the complaint against them was a counterblast by someone not involved in the incident.
The court emphasized that allowing investigation into the case would amount to investigating the chanting of ‘Bharath Matha Ki Jai’, which fosters harmony. The judgement underscores the importance of protecting freedom of expression and the right to chant slogans that promote unity.
Published on September 26, 2024, at 15:27 IST.
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