In a shocking turn of events, on 16 July 2024, Ajmer court in Rajasthan has acquitted Gohar Chisti, a dargah cleric and five others who were accused of chanting provocative slogans ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ at the Moinuddin Chishti Dargah gate. This incident followed suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammed in 2022.
The slogans were reportedly raised during a public protest at the dargah gate in response to Sharma’s remarks, which had sparked widespread outrage. In the widely circulated video, Chishti was observed chanting the slogan ‘sar tan se juda’ in response to Nupur Sharma’s alleged controversy for making offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate. Sharma later reported receiving numerous death threats due to her remarks. Subsequently, a case was filed against Gauhar Chishti, who subsequently disappeared.
According to the report, Gohar Chisti and others raised the slogan “gustakhi-e-nabi ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda sar tan se juda” (Beheading is the only punishment for those who insult Prophet Muhammad) on 17 June 2022, during the rally protesting Sharma’s alleged statement.
Been 2 weeks since a mob created mayhem on streets, tried to kill cops, chanted "sar tan se juda" slogans in Hubballi over "blasphemous" Whatsapp status. It was repeat of 2020 DJ Halli violence over similar issue. No national outrage. And they call Karnataka "Hindutva laboratory" pic.twitter.com/km6UEBEFnd
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) May 3, 2022
Chisti was arrested in July 2022 after an FIR was filed on 25th June, accusing him of delivering an inflammatory speech from the Nizam Gate. The case included charges under various sections of the IPC such as abetting offences by the public, unlawful assembly, disobedience to public servants’ orders, intentional insult, criminal intimidation, and others.
Chisti’s defense argued that their protest was peaceful and lawful, organized in response to what they viewed as a serious insult to their community’s religious sentiments. The state had contended that video clips of the alleged slogans circulated online, leading to violent incidents in Udaipur and Amravati, where individuals were reportedly beheaded due to religious animosity stirred by such slogans. Thus, they argued that more serious charges under IPC Section 302/115 should apply.
However, Additional District and Session Judge Ritu Meena found insufficient evidence to support the allegations against them. A detailed judgment on the case is expected later.
In summary, the court’s decision rested on the lack of sufficient evidence to convict Chisti and the others accused of chanting provocative slogans during the protest.
(With inputs from Live Law)
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