In Brief
The appellant, a college professor, posted on WhatsApp status criticizing the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019 as a "Black Day" and extending good wishes to Pakistan on 14 August Independence Day. He was prosecuted under Section 153-A IPC (promoting enmity between groups). The Supreme Court held that such political criticism and goodwill gestures are protected speech under Article 19(1)(a) and do not incite communal disharmony. The posts did not target any religion, caste, or community but expressed protest against state action. The Court allowed the appeal, quashed the FIR, and emphasized that police must be educated on freedom of speech and democratic values.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.