Karnataka High Court dismisses a sedition allegation involving a school CAA play
The administration of Shaheen School in Bidar was charged with sedition on Wednesday after putting on a play that was seen to be critical of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in 2020. The Karnataka high court dismissed the accusations on Wednesday.
At the High Court’s Kalaburagi bench, Justice Hemant Chandangoudar granted the petitions contesting the proceedings and overturned the charges brought against four members of the school administration. The court order’s copy is awaiting.
The four were charged with violating sections 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (intentional insult), 505(2) of the IPC (statements encouraging enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes), 124A of the IPC (sedition), and 153A of the IPC (causing discord between religious groups).
“We anticipated a favourable ruling. We have faith in the justice system. Abdul Qadeer, chairman and founder of Shaheen Group of Institutions, stated, “I appreciate everyone for their support and best wishes, particularly the people of Bidar.
Students from grades 4, 5, and 6 performed a play on CAA and NRC on January 21, 2020, at the school. Additionally, the performance purportedly portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a negative manner.
The New Town police station filed a complaint against the school and its administration on January 26 of that year for engaging in “anti-national activities” and “spreading negative opinion” about legislative legislation. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and author of the complaint that led to the filing of the FIR in this case, Nilesh Rakshala.
On January 30, the police also detained the mother of a female student who delivered a line in the play, Nazbunnissa, and the school’s administrator, Fareeda Begum. But around two weeks later, they received their release on bond.
The case highlights once again how the colonial-era clause is often applied unfairly against common persons or utilised in situations when there is little physical proof. Therefore, the government and Supreme Court should think about whether such a legislation has any place in contemporary India and make sure that individuals’ fundamental rights are not abused.
“Everyone was aware of Shaheen School’s mission and core principles. Muslims and non-Muslims study here, according to Qadeer. “The school produces thousands of physicians. We also assist students studying in Kannada.
The Bidar police had also come under fire for repeatedly interrogating the schoolchildren, including a nine-year-old, over the crime. The Karnataka Child Rights Commission had cited the district police for many infractions, including failing to follow the rules set out by the Juvenile Justice Act, after an investigation.
“I talked with the principal. She is overjoyed.I got to meet the mother and the girl. Both are pleased and delighted with the decision, according to Qadeer, who also criticised the police action taken against the school administration. “Whatever occurred was inappropriate. The decision made by the authorities was incorrect. Some folks had a misunderstanding about the situation.
