Hari Nandan Singh vs State Of Jharkhand 2025 INSC 305 - S 298 IPC - Calling 'Pakistani'

Indian Penal Code 1860 - Section 298 - FIR alleged that accused hurried the religious feelings of the informant by calling him “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani.” - Undoubtedly, the statements made are poor taste. However, it does not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the informant. (Para 19)

Context: According to FIR, The informant claimed that on 18th November 2020, while delivering information to the appellant’s residence as per official duty, the appellant refused to accept the documents initially, abused him by referencing his religion (calling him "Miyan-Tiyan" and "Pakistani"), and used criminal force to intimidate him- A charge sheet was filed under Sections 298 (wounding religious feelings), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 353 (assault to deter a public servant), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)-The appellant’s discharge application under Section 239 Cr.P.C. was dismissed -High Court upheld this dismissal - Supreme Court allowed his appeal and discharged him from criminal case.