Supreme Court to Hear Case Against Indore Cartoonist for Modi, RSS Cartoons

An Indore-based cartoonist is facing potential Supreme Court action after the Madhya Pradesh High Court denied him anticipatory bail. He is accused of posting cartoons deemed “objectionable” by authorities, depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The First Information Report (FIR) alleges the cartoonist’s work hurt religious sentiments and violated sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically those pertaining to inciting communal disharmony and insulting religious feelings. The exact sections under the IPC, including those under the Bombay Police Act (BNA), are yet to be officially disclosed.

The High Court’s rejection of anticipatory bail has left the cartoonist vulnerable to arrest. The Supreme Court will now decide whether to intervene in the case, a decision with significant implications for freedom of expression in the country.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the limits of free speech in India, particularly when it involves depictions of prominent political figures and religious organisations. The Supreme Court’s ruling will set a crucial precedent, impacting how such cases are handled in the future and influencing the creative space for artists and cartoonists nationwide.