Home / Crime and Justice / MP Court: Free Expression Trumps Hurt Feelings
MP Court: Free Expression Trumps Hurt Feelings
10 May
Summary
- MP High Court quashed FIR against teacher for WhatsApp poem.
- Poem's sharing was protected speech, court ruled.
- Teacher faced threats, harassment after FIR registration.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court granted significant relief to Faizan Ansari, a government teacher, by quashing an FIR lodged against him at Chicholi Police Station. The case originated from Ansari sharing a poem, 'Be-haya,' on his WhatsApp status on July 22, 2025. The poem critically examines societal issues like patriarchy and social control over women.
Employees, led by Sachin Rai, protested and filed a complaint, alleging the poem was derogatory and could disturb social harmony. Police registered an FIR under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, the High Court emphasized that literary expression is not a crime without intent to incite violence or hatred.
The court noted the poem is publicly available and found no direct attack on any group. It acknowledged the trolling and harassment Ansari endured, ordering his mobile phone's return and police protection. Continuing the proceedings was deemed an abuse of law and a violation of free expression rights.
