Court Finds Prima Facie Case in Video Alleging Defamation of Christian Clergy
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea to quash criminal proceedings against PV Samuel, a man accused of posting a video on YouTube and Facebook alleging that Christian nuns were being treated as “concubines” of priests and bishops [PV Samuel v State of Kerala & ors].
Justice A Badharudeen ruled that there was sufficient evidence to support the charges against Samuel, who had been booked under Sections 298 (uttering words to wound religious feelings) and 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
In his defense, Samuel argued that the video, which was based on the experiences of two nuns who had faced sexual harassment, was intended to raise awareness and not to insult. However, the prosecution maintained that the video was intended to hurt religious sentiments and degrade nuns, priests, and bishops.
The court, finding a prima facie case, rejected Samuel’s plea for quashment.
(With inputs from agency)
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