The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has decided to continue their planned sit-in as discussions with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ended without any resolution. The atmosphere heated up during the meeting in Chandigarh on Monday when Bhagwant Mann left abruptly and told the farmer leaders they could continue their protest if they wished.
Over 350 Protesters Detained
Following the unsuccessful talks, the administration took strict measures by detaining more than 350 farmers to prevent their march towards Chandigarh on March 5. Prominent leaders detained include Balbir Singh Rajewal of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Omkar Singh Agaul, and Rulda Singh Mansa.
” Punjab Should Not Be Seen as a State of Protests” – Bhagwant Mann
Breaking his silence on the issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that his priority is to protect the interests of the people of Punjab. He expressed concern about the economic damage caused by repeated protests.
He noted that recurring protests are affecting Punjab’s image and shaking investor confidence. According to sources close to the government, the administration believes that the farmer movement is no longer receiving the same support as before because the public is tired of repeated sit-ins. The Chief Minister told the farmer leaders that these protests are affecting business activities and causing economic damage to Punjab.
Supreme Court Acquits Individual Accused of Religious Insult, Says ‘Unpleasant Comments, Not a Crime’
The Supreme Court has acquitted a person accused of hurting a government official’s religious feelings. The individual was accused of calling the official “Mian-Tian” and “Pakistani”. The court stated that while the comments might be “unpleasant”, they do not constitute an offense under Section 298 of the Indian Penal Code.
Supreme Court Clarifies Decision
The bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice S C Sharma, in their decision dated February 11, 2024, stated that the accused’s comments could not be considered as causing religious hurt. The court mentioned, “The statements may be deemed inappropriate, but they do not fall into the category of a legal offense. Therefore, the accused is acquitted under IPC Section 298.”
Details of the Case
Hari Nandan Singh had filed an RTI request with the Additional Collector of Bokaro for information. Dissatisfied with the response, he filed an appeal. In November 2020, when the complainant, an Urdu translator at the Chas Subdivision office, arrived to provide information, Singh allegedly made offensive comments about his religious identity and tried to intimidate him. Following this, the complainant reported the incident to the Subdivision Officer, who ordered an FIR to be filed.
Charges Filed Under Various Sections
The police filed charges against Hari Nandan Singh under several sections, including:
– Section 298: Deliberate attempt to hurt religious feelings
– Section 504: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
– Section 506: Criminal intimidation
– Section 353: Using force to deter a public servant from duty
– Section 323: Voluntarily causing hurt
No Relief from Lower Court and High Court
The Magistrate’s Court summoned the accused and found sufficient grounds to frame charges under Sections 298, 504, and 353. However, Sections 323 and 406 were dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The accused petitioned for acquittal, but both the Session’s Court and the Jharkhand High Court rejected his pleas.
Supreme Court Ultimately Acquits
The Supreme Court noted that the accused had not committed any physical assault, thus Section 353 was not applicable. Furthermore, he could not be found guilty under Section 504 as his actions did not likely disrupt peace. Based on these arguments, the Supreme Court acquitted the accused of all charges.
