Mon Mar 03 11:31:43 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Weighs Freedom of Speech in Case Against Congress MP
**New Delhi** – The Supreme Court of India today heard a case against Congress MP and poet Imran Pratapgarhi, who faces charges of inciting religious hatred for sharing a video containing a song on social media. The hearing was marked by a light-hearted exchange between Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Kapil Sibal, Pratapgarhi’s representative.
The court expressed strong criticism of the Gujarat police’s actions, stating that greater sensitivity and understanding of freedom of speech are necessary before filing FIRs. Justice Abhay S Oka highlighted that the poem in question, featuring the lines “Aye khoon ke pyaaso baat suno” (O bloodthirsty ones, listen), promoted non-violence and was not directed against any specific religion. The court noted the poem’s message advocating against violence, even in response to violence.
The lighter moments emerged from a debate over the poem’s literary merit. Solicitor General Mehta, representing the Gujarat government, criticized the poem, calling it “sadak chhap” (pedestrian) and questioning its attribution to renowned poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib. This led to a humorous exchange with Mr. Sibal, who jokingly classified his own poetry as “sadakchaap” as well. Justice Oka joined the banter, suggesting that even judges should avoid such self-deprecating descriptions. The discussion further involved the nature of poetry itself, with Mr. Mehta even questioning whether the shared content could even be considered a poem.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on the matter. The case highlights ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and concerns about religious harmony in India.
First Piper 