Dr Kapileswar contests!
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Aug 20: Professor Dr Kapileswar Mishra has formally lodged a complaint, through email, requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Salman Khurshid, a former Union Minister and prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. The complaint, referred to the Delhi Police Headquarters, accuses Khurshid of making inflammatory and provocative statements that could potentially incite public unrest.
Details of the Complaint: Dr. Mishra, who resides at Vinayak Tower, Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has detailed his concerns in a letter addressed to key Delhi Police officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Public Relations Officer, and the Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters). The complaint specifically pertains to statements made by Khurshid during a book launch event for “Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims”, held in New Delhi on August 6, 2024.
Incident Description: During the event, Khurshid reportedly drew a controversial parallel between the current situation in India and the recent turmoil in Bangladesh, stating, “What’s happening in Bangladesh can happen here.” This comparison, according to Dr. Mishra, is not only alarming but also possesses the potential to incite unrest and disrupt public order.
Legal Grounds for the FIR: Dr. Mishra’s complaint outlines several legal concerns:
1. Sedition (Section 124A of IPC): The complaint argues that Mr. Khurshid’s statements are seditious, as they may incite hatred and contempt towards the Government of India, potentially destabilizing the country and disturbing public peace.
2. Promoting Enmity Between Different Groups (Section 153A of IPC): By comparing the situation in India to the unrest in Bangladesh, Mr. Khurshid is accused of promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion and nationality, thus prejudicing communal harmony.
3. Outraging Religious Feelings (Section 295A of IPC): The complaint claims that Mr. Khurshid’s remarks are intended to insult religious beliefs and outrage the religious feelings of certain communities.
4. Public Mischief (Section 505 of IPC): Mr. Khurshid’s statements are alleged to create public mischief by inciting fear and alarm, potentially leading to offenses against the State and public disorder.
5. Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India: The complaint highlights that Mr. Khurshid’s remarks violate the reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, which are necessary for maintaining national security, public order, and decency.
Request for Action: Dr. Mishra has urged the Delhi Police to take immediate and decisive action by registering an FIR under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the applicable constitutional provisions. The complaint stresses the need for urgent intervention to prevent any escalation of tension and to maintain public tranquility and national security.
