Abusive words against PM derogatory, not seditious: HC

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka High Court has said abusive words used against the PM was derogatory and irresponsible but it does not constitute sedition, while quashing a case of sedition against a school management.

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, at the Kalburgi bench of the High Court, quashed the FIR filed by the New Town Police Station, Bidar, against Allauddin, Abdul Khaleq, Mohammed Bilal Inamdar and Mohammed Mehatab, all management persons of Shaheen School in Bidar.

The court said the ingredients of Section 153(A) (causing disharmony between religious groups) of the IPC are not found in the case.

"The utterance of the abusive words that the PM should be hit with footwear is not only derogatory, but is irresponsible. The constructive criticism of the government policy is permissible, but the Constitutional functionaries cannot be insulted for having taken a policy decision," Justice Chandangoudar said.