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” is not a criminal offence, although it may be considered in poor taste. The ruling came in response to a case filed against an 80-year-old man in Jharkhand, who was accused of hurling abuses at an Urdu translator.
According to the report, the case was filed against the 80-year-old man after the Urdu translator alleged that he used derogatory language against him, including calling him “Miyan-Tiyan” and “Pakistani”. The translator claimed that the remarks were intended to hurt his religious sentiments and were therefore, an offence.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed with the translator’s interpretation, stating that the remarks did not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the translator. In its ruling, the Court noted that the remarks were indeed in poor taste, but they did not constitute an offence.
This ruling is significant because it highlights the importance of context in interpreting the intent behind certain words or phrases. In this case, the Court recognized that the remarks were likely motivated by ignorance or a lack of understanding of the cultural and religious sensitivities involved, rather than a malicious intent to hurt the translator’s feelings.
The case also raises important questions about the role of language in our society. While words and phrases can be powerful tools for communication and connection, they can also be used to divide and offend. In this case, the Supreme Court’s ruling suggests that we must approach language with nuance and sensitivity, recognizing that different words and phrases may have different meanings and connotations depending on the context in which they are used.
Furthermore, this ruling highlights the need for greater education and awareness about cultural and religious sensitivities. As a society, we must strive to create an environment where people from all backgrounds feel valued and respected, and where language is used to build bridges rather than to divide.
It is also important to note that the Supreme Court’s ruling is not a blanket exemption for using derogatory language. Rather, it is a recognition that words and phrases can be used in different ways depending on the context, and that we must approach language with sensitivity and nuance.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case of the 80-year-old man accused of hurling abuses at an Urdu translator is a significant one. While the remarks were indeed in poor taste, the Court recognized that they did not constitute an offence. This ruling highlights the importance of context in interpreting the intent behind certain words or phrases, and underscores the need for greater education and awareness about cultural and religious sensitivities.
