Karnataka High Court dismisses FIR against men for criticizing Supreme Court ruling

In an order dated October 15, 2026, the Karnataka High Court set aside a police FIR filed against 13 individuals for affixing posters in Mangaluru that described a recent Supreme Court judgment as a denial of justice and called for public action. The complaint invoked IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity), 295A (outraging religious feelings), 120B (conspiracy) and a state disfigurement provision. Justice H P Sandesh examined whether the language met the statutory elements and concluded that the expressions represented dissent, not hate, noting that the impact on a reasonable majority must be considered.

Relying on Article 19 of the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings such as Javed Ahmad Hajam and Bilal Ahmed Kaloo, the bench held the slogans did not constitute the alleged offences. Accordingly, the court exercised its power under Section 482 of the CrPC to quash the FIR, clearing the accused of all charges.