Don't short circuit procedure: Supreme Court on plea for action on BJP leader's remarks about Prophet Muhammad

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain an oral mentioning seeking action against BJP Minority Morcha leader and social media influencer Nazia Elahi Khan over alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sheel Nagu told the counsel, who made the mentioning, to move a formal petition in this regard.

"Have faith in our system. Why cannot you file a petition and take it up. This is the problem. Every institution in the country is being shaken and people take up short circuit methods," Justice Amanullah said.

Justice Amanullah further said that sensitive matters must not be sensationalized, adding that local authorities be approached first.

"In sensitive cases you must understand the implications. If one person has done something unlawful then localise it and pin him down. But do not sensationalise it. If still it does not work then come to us. We agree that the case is grave but take the lawful course and not a short circuit," Justice Amanullah said.

According to the Indian Express, the police in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) last month registered two FIRs against Khan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.