
A Bengaluru court has dismissed a private complaint filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding an alleged hate speech delivered in Rajasthan. The complaint, lodged by activist Ziaurrahaman Nomani, accused PM Modi of making derogatory remarks against the Muslim community during an election rally in Banswara on April 21, 2024. The allegations included statements suggesting that Muslims were intruders who had taken away the wealth of the nation and that a potential Congress government would redistribute earnings from other communities to Muslims.
Court’s Decision
The court, presided over by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, found that the complaint did not make a prima facie case to warrant an investigation under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C). The complaint was filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 503, 504, and 505(2), which pertain to promoting enmity between different groups and making statements conducive to public mischief.
The dismissal highlights the court’s determination that the evidence presented did not substantiate the charges sufficiently to proceed with the case. This decision comes amidst ongoing political debates and legal scrutiny of speeches made during the election campaigns.
Background and Reactions
The allegations against PM Modi were part of broader concerns about hate speech and its impact on communal harmony in India. The dismissal of the complaint has sparked varied reactions, with supporters of the Prime Minister viewing it as a vindication, while critics argue that it highlights the challenges in holding powerful figures accountable for their public statements.