Calling someone ‘Miyan-Tiyan’ & ‘Pakistani’ not an offence: Supreme Court
In a recent verdict, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that calling someone “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” is not a criminal offence. The Court’s decision came in response to a case filed against an 80-year-old man who was accused of hurling abuses at an Urdu translator in Jharkhand.
The case gained attention when the translator, who was 28 years old at the time, filed a complaint against the 80-year-old man, alleging that he had used derogatory language against him. The incident occurred in 2019, and the translator claimed that the old man had used the terms “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” to insult him.
The case was taken up by the Supreme Court, which examined the matter and ultimately decided that the remarks made by the 80-year-old man did not constitute an offence. The Court ruled that while the language used by the old man may have been in poor taste, it did not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the translator.
The Court’s decision was based on the fact that the terms “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” are often used as casual insults in India, and do not necessarily carry religious connotations. While the translator may have felt offended by the remarks, the Court found that they did not cross the threshold of being considered an attack on his religious beliefs.
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case is significant, as it highlights the importance of context in interpreting the impact of language on individuals. While words and phrases can be hurtful or offensive, they do not always constitute a criminal offence.
In recent years, there have been several cases in India where individuals have been prosecuted for using language that was deemed to be offensive or insulting. However, the Supreme Court’s decision in this case suggests that language alone is not enough to constitute an offence, and that context and intent must also be considered.
The case also raises questions about the use of language in everyday life. While it is important to be mindful of the impact that our words can have on others, it is also important to recognize that language is often used in a way that is intended to be humorous or playful rather than offensive.
In this case, the 80-year-old man may have used the terms “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” in a way that was intended to be humorous or light-hearted, rather than as an attack on the translator’s religious beliefs. While the translator may have felt offended by the remarks, the Court’s decision suggests that the language used did not cross the threshold of being considered an attack on his religious beliefs.
The Supreme Court’s decision is also significant in the context of the ongoing debate about freedom of speech in India. The Court’s decision suggests that freedom of speech is not absolute, and that individuals must be mindful of the impact that their words can have on others.
However, the Court’s decision also highlights the importance of context and intent in interpreting the impact of language on individuals. While words and phrases can be hurtful or offensive, they do not always constitute a criminal offence.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision in this case is significant, as it highlights the importance of context and intent in interpreting the impact of language on individuals. While language alone is not enough to constitute an offence, the Court’s decision suggests that individuals must be mindful of the impact that their words can have on others.
The case also raises questions about the use of language in everyday life, and the importance of recognizing that language is often used in a way that is intended to be humorous or playful rather than offensive. Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s decision is a reminder of the importance of balance and nuance in interpreting the impact of language on individuals.
