The Supreme Court on Monday asked a PIL petitioner to first approach the police authorities over alleged objectionable comments against Prophet Muhammad, stating, "Have faith in the system."
Court declines urgent listing
A Bench of Justice A. Amanullah and Justice Sheel Nagu declined an urgent listing of the PIL filed by Anas Chaudhary, who flagged comments allegedly made by an influencer. The Bench's remarks came after advocate Rajat Kumar mentioned the matter and argued that the comments could create communal disharmony.
Justice Amanullah told the petitioner's counsel, "Have you filed a case? The police are there. Have faith in our system. We are only the apex, we are here to monitor. It is also an eye-opener for us whether our lower functionaries are working or not? If everything is short-circuited here, they will also raise their hands... that okay, that is what is happening...all institutions are going haywire because everything comes from the top."
Don't sensationalise the issue
The Bench advised the petitioner not to sensationalise the matter and to follow normal procedures before approaching the Supreme Court. "It is a grave thing; I agree with you. Speaking for myself, I am very sensitive to it... but then there is a procedure. If that doesn't work, come to us. In sensitive matters, you are also a citizen of India first, you must understand the implications. You are a counsel...You know the law. You understand the consequences. Don't sensationalise these things. If one person has made a mistake, pin him down with the full force of the law," Justice Amanullah said.
PIL seeks guidelines on offensive content
The PIL has sought directions to government authorities to frame and implement appropriate guidelines to curb, prevent and regulate the publication, circulation and dissemination of content that is deliberately derogatory, offensive, or insulting towards revered religious figures on digital and social media platforms. The court's response underscores the importance of following the legal hierarchy and ensuring that lower authorities perform their duties before the apex court intervenes.
