Case on Shoaib for hurting religious feelings

The Nampally criminal courts on Wednesday directed the Banjara Hills police to book a case against Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and others under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for “intentionally hurting religious feelings” through their actions. The Banjara Hills inspector, Mr Iqbal Siddiqui, said the court has referred the complaint to them and a case will be registered.

The complaint was filed by Mr Mohsin Bin Al Kasri, president of Mazlumeen Mohammadia, in the court of the third additional chief metropolitan magistrate.

According to advocate, Mr M.A. Ajeem, the petition was filed on Tuesday and the court gave directions to the police on Wednesday.

Mr Ajeem said: “The complaint is against Shoaib Malik, Ayesha Siddiqui, Sania Mirza and all their family members and relatives. Qazis, who performed the marriage and ratified the divorce have also been named as accused. The main allegation is that through the media the accused presented several aspects of marriage and divorce of the community that created ill-feeling among the people. Initially they said the marriage with Ayesha was not performed. However, later a divorce was given and second marriage was performed. This has agonised the community.” The advocates Mr A.R.C.K. Raju and Mr E. Ahmed represented the complainant. Section 295 A says any person who by deliberate and malicious acts, intends to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs is punishable with upto three years in jail or fine or both.