New Delhi: In a February 11 ruling, the Supreme Court held that labelling someone ‘Pakistani’ or calling them ‘miyan-tiyan’ does not amount to hurting their religious sentiment, although it is in poor taste.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma had heard a case filed by a Urdu translator and acting Right to Information clerk at the sub-divisional office at Chas in Jharkhand. The man alleged that he was insulted by a person who called him 'miyan-tiyan' and 'Pakistani' during a visit related to RTI work.

The accused man was booked under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 298  intention to wound religious feelings) , and 504 (intentional insults and provocations that can cause public disturbances) of the Indian Penal Code.

"Undoubtedly, the statements made are in poor taste. However, it does not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the informant. Hence, we are of the opinion that the appellant shall also be discharged under Section 298 IPC," Bar and Bench has reported.

The Supreme Court said there was no act on the accused’s part that could have provoked a breach of peace.

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