Calling someone ‘Miyan-Tiyan’ & ‘Pakistani’ not an offence: Supreme Court
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court has clarified that calling someone “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” may be in poor taste, but it does not constitute an offence. This ruling comes as a relief to many individuals who may have been subjected to verbal abuse or insults based on their nationality or perceived religious affiliations.
The case in question involved an 80-year-old man who was accused of hurling abuses at an Urdu translator in Jharkhand. The translator had claimed that the elderly man had uttered derogatory remarks, including calling him “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani”. A case was filed against the man, and the matter was taken up by the Supreme Court.
After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the remarks made by the elderly man did not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the translator. In its judgment, the court stated that while the remarks may be considered in poor taste, they do not constitute a criminal offence.
This ruling is significant because it highlights the importance of not criminalizing every instance of verbal abuse or insult. In a country with a diverse population and multiple languages, it is not uncommon for individuals to use words or phrases that may be perceived as derogatory or offensive. However, this does not necessarily mean that such words or phrases should be criminalized.
The Supreme Court’s ruling also underscores the need for individuals to be more mindful of the language they use. While it is important to respect the religious and cultural beliefs of others, it is equally important to avoid using language that may be perceived as offensive or derogatory.
In this context, it is worth noting that the remarks made by the elderly man in this case were not directed at the translator’s religion or nationality, but rather at his perceived cultural or linguistic affiliation. This highlights the importance of considering the context in which language is used, and not jumping to conclusions about the intentions or motivations of the speaker.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has been welcomed by many individuals who have been subjected to verbal abuse or insults based on their nationality or perceived religious affiliations. The ruling sends a clear message that such behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
However, the ruling also raises important questions about the nature of language and how it is used in our society. In a country with a diverse population and multiple languages, it is essential that we cultivate a culture of respect and tolerance. This means being mindful of the language we use and avoiding language that may be perceived as derogatory or offensive.
It also means educating ourselves about the cultural and religious beliefs of others, and being respectful of those beliefs. By doing so, we can create a society in which individuals feel safe and respected, regardless of their nationality or perceived religious affiliation.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling that calling someone “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani” is not an offence is a significant development in the context of language and culture in India. While the use of such language may be in poor taste, it does not necessarily constitute a criminal offence. The ruling highlights the importance of being mindful of the language we use and respecting the cultural and religious beliefs of others. By doing so, we can create a society in which individuals feel safe and respected, and where language is used to build bridges rather than to create division.
