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In a landmark judgment on March 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India quashed the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Gujarat Police against Congress Rajya Sabha MP and poet Imran Pratapgarhi. The FIR had been registered over a social media post featuring his poem “Ae Khoon Ke Pyase Baat Suno,” which authorities alleged promoted communal disharmony.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the paramount importance of freedom of speech and expression in a democratic society. They stated that such freedoms should be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable person, not through the lens of individuals who perceive criticism as a threat to their power or position. The court remarked, “Free expression of thoughts and views by individuals or groups of individuals is an integral part of a healthy civilized society. Without freedom of expression of thoughts and views, it is impossible to lead a dignified life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.” Imran
The controversy began when Pratapgarhi shared a 46-second video on his social media handle on December 29, 2023, featuring his poem. A resident of Jamnagar filed a complaint, leading to the FIR that accused him of promoting enmity between different groups based on religion and other charges related to national integration. Imran
Pratapgarhi initially sought relief from the Gujarat High Court, which, on January 17, 2025, declined to quash the FIR, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court. The apex court, in its judgment, underscored the role of various art forms, including poetry, drama, music, and satire, in enriching human life.
The bench noted that even if a large number of people dislike certain views, the right of an individual to express them must be respected and protected. Imran
This ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and serves as a reminder to law enforcement agencies about the necessity of understanding and respecting the fundamental right to free speech. The court’s decision highlights that artistic expressions, even if provocative, should not be stifled by subjective interpretations of insecurity or perceived threats
For a detailed discussion on the Supreme Court’s decision, you can watch the following news coverage:
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