SC stays criminal proceedings against SP leader Swami Prasad Maurya over remarks on Ramcharitmanas

Though the state pointed out that copies of the holy book were burnt following Maurya’s comments, Justice Mehta said “he cannot be held responsible for that. It's a line of thought”.

Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the criminal proceedings against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya over his alleged comments on Ramcharitamanas, a sacred text authored by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language based on the epic Ramayana.

Issuing a notice on a plea by Maurya challenging the October 31, 2023 Allahabad High Court order refusing to quash the legal proceedings initiated against him in connection with the case, the court also questioned the stand of the Uttar Pradesh government.

“Why do you have to be so touchy?” Justice Gavai asked the UP counsel.

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Justice Mehta further said that “it is a matter of interpretation. Plain and simple” and asked “how is it an offence?”

Though the state pointed out that copies of the holy book were burnt following Maurya’s comments, Justice Mehta said “he cannot be held responsible for that. It’s a line of thought”.

The high court had rejected his contention that the case was politically motivated and held that it prima facie appeared he incited people to start a rebellion.

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