Two Muslim organizations in India have taken legal action against what they call unfair police crackdowns on peaceful religious expressions. The Muslim Students Organisation of India (MSO) and Raza Academy filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court on September 26. They’re challenging multiple FIRs and arrests linked to posters and banners displaying the message “I Love Muhammad” during community celebrations.
The petition, brought under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, claims these cases stem from communal bias and trample on basic rights like freedom of religion and expression. Everyday Muslims were simply marking religious festivals with decorations when police hit them with charges of rioting, criminal intimidation, and disturbing the peace, the groups argue.
Lawyers for MSO and Raza Academy point out that authorities slapped Sections 187, 188, 351, and 356 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on the accused. They also accuse police of skipping key procedures under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), calling it a clear abuse of the criminal justice system.
The PIL raises big questions: Can India’s criminal laws target minority communities over religious practices? And can police ignore legal safeguards during probes? The petitioners describe themselves as innocent folks with clean records, saying the FIRs reek of prejudice against Muslims.
In court, the organizations urged their community to stay cool and not escalate tensions. “Love for Prophet Muhammad is a personal, spiritual bond that shouldn’t face criminal charges when shared peacefully,” they said in a joint statement. “India’s Constitution protects freedom of religion and speech—we must defend that. But let’s all keep the peace and harmony intact.”
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