The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking action against Bollywood Actress, Kangana Ranaut, for putting a post on social media, allegedly to promote the consumption of beef.
Justice Manoj Bajaj observed that a perusal of the alleged post does not prima facie suggest that it amounts to commission of an offence punishable under section 295-A IPC, in any manner. On the contrary the post describes the person as vegetarian, therefore, it cannot be construed at all, that it promotes consumption of beef much less by way of advice.
One Navneet Gopi had filed a petition under section 482 Cr.P.C before the HC for issuance of directions to respondent Nos. 1 to 4 for conducting an inquiry in his representations and further to take legal action against respondent No5, namely Kangana Ranaut.
It was alleged that she has outraged the religious feelings of the petitioner and others by intentionally putting a post on social media to promote the consumption of beef. Further the petitioner prayed that the life and liberty of the petitioner and his family be protected, who are facing threats as a result of complaints given by him against respondent (Kangana Ranaut).
After hearing the arguments, the court did not find any merit in the prayer made by the petitioner. The court was of the view that a perusal of the alleged post does not prima facie suggest that it amounts to commission of an offence punishable under section 295-A IPC in any manner.
In the view of the above discussion, the court held that the petition was vague and misconceived therefore the court was not inclined to exercise the inherent powers under section 482 Cr.P.C.
