New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) The Supreme Courton Monday transferred to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, all the FIRs registered against stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui indifferent states for allegedly hurting people’ssentiments, besides insulting home minister Amit Shah during a show.
The apex court also granted bail to Faruqui in the case registered against him by the Madhya Pradesh Police for allegedly insulting religious sentiments
A bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice BR Gavai and also comprising Justice Sanjay Karol, passed the order and clubbed all the First Information Reports (FIRs) against the comedian and transferred them to Indore under Police Station Tukoganj.
“Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances, and the previous order of this court, we are inclined to transfer all the complaints to Indore. We have already granted him (Faruqui)earlier interim protection, the same is made absolute,” the bench said in its order.
Faruqui was also granted protection against the production of warrants by Delhi Police for three weeks.
The top court passed the order after hearing a plea filed by Faruqui challenging and seeking the quashing of criminal proceedings against him in a case of allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Faruqui and four others were arrested on January 1, 2021, following a complaint by Eklavya Singh Gaud, son of BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaud, that objectionable remarks about Hindu deities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were passed during a comedy show at a cafe in Indore on New Year’s day.
He was booked under Sections 295-A (Outraging religious feelings), 269 (Unlawful act likely to spread the infection [Covid-19] of any disease dangerous to life) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Faruqui’s bail plea was first rejected by a Sessions Court, and thereafter the Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 28 that year.
The Supreme Court had in February 2021, granted him interim bail and stayed the production warrant of the Uttar Pradesh Police against Faruqui in a separate case. This protection by the apex court was made absolute on Monday.
As per the complaint, indecent remarks were passed against Hindu gods and goddesses and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the show,
“The show mocked Hindu deities by passing indecent comments. The Godhra incident and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were also mentioned inappropriately,” the prosecution alleged.
