Ajmer cleric Gohar Chisti, five others acquitted in provocative slogans case

A court in Ajmer has acquitted Gohar Chisti, a cleric at the Moinuddin Chishti Dargah, along with five other accused in a case involving the raising of provocative slogans.

The allegations stemmed from an incident following derogatory comments made by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma about Prophet Mohammed in 2022. Chisti and the others were accused of inciting violence through speeches made at the dargah.

The accusations included calls for beheading those who insult the Prophet, a claim that led to their arrest in July 2022 after an FIR was filed on June 25. The FIR detailed Chisti's speech from the Nizam Gate on June 17, which was said to have incited the public.

The charges were registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including abetting the commission of an offence by the public, unlawful assembly, disobedience to an order promulgated by a public servant, intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace and criminal intimidation.

Despite these serious charges, the court found insufficient evidence to convict Chisti and the other accused. Public prosecutor Gulam Nazmi confirmed the acquittal under all sections and indicated that an appeal against the verdict would be considered after reviewing the court's order.

Chisti expressed relief and gratitude towards the government following the verdict, viewing the acquittal as a vindication of his stance. The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the tensions between freedom of speech and public order in the context of religious sentiments.