The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned for hearing after Holi, a petition filed by stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, seeking quashing of FIRs lodged against him in different states for allegedly hurting the sentiments of people, besides insulting Home Minister Amit Shah during a show at an Indore cafe on January 1 this year.
The Bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath agreed to list the matter in the third week of March, after the lawyer appearing for Faruqui requested for the same.
During the proceedings, Justice Nath said in a lighter vein that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) should organise an event of the comedian.
Justice Gavai seconded him and said with a smile that the Apex Court may consider quashing of FIRs, if Faruqui agreed to perform for the judges.
The Madhya Pradesh police had lodged an FIR against Faruqui under Section 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of any class) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), apart from other Sections.
He was charged with making indecent remarks against Hindu Gods and Goddesses, apart from Home Minister Amit Shah, during an event at a cafe in Indore on January 1, 2021.
Munawar was arrested on January 2, along with four other people, on a complaint filed by one Aklavya Singh Gaud, convenor of local Hindu outfit Hind Rakshak and son of BJP Legislator Malini Gaur.
The complaint alleged that Munawar had hurt the religious feelings of Hindus through his ‘outrageously’ filthy jokes cracked deliberately against Hindu gods and Goddess, apart from Home Minister Amit Shah.