Observing that religious fanaticism should be dealt with a firm hand, the Kerala High Court on June 27 dismissed bail applications of two accused in the case relating to the chopping of the hand of a private college lecturer in July last year. The case relates to the attack on TJ Joseph for preparing a question paper having certain alleged derogatory references to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him).
Dismissing bail applications of Shiyas and Mohammed Ali, a division bench comprising justices A K Basheer and P Q Barqat Ali said, “We have no doubt that the charges levelled against the accused are most heinous.” The court said a small section belonging to some religion unfortunately get carried away by fanaticism and illusory oppression and victimisation.
“Religious fanaticism of all hues and shades should be dealt with a firm hand. What is saddening in this case is that the Prophet has been ridiculed. They seem to have forgotten the reality that they are living in a country which gives them absolute freedom to practise their religion,” the bench said. The court pointed out that religious harmony and tolerance that members of minority community enjoy is unparalleled and there is no sympathy to miscreants creating communal disharmony.
“They are tarnishing the image of not only the country, but their own religion,” the bench said. However, the court granted bail to another accused Moideen Kutty of Valancherry in Malappura district who is in custody since July 22 last year.