Kerala police file FR against cleric for offensive remarks on Muslim women

Kozhikode City Police in Kerala have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against prominent Sunni cleric Mukkam Umar Faizi following a complaint filed by V P Suhra, president of NISA, a forum of progressive Muslim women.

The FIR, lodged under IPC Sections 295A and 298, accused Faizi of making offensive remarks during a television debate. The cleric stated that Muslim women who do not wear headscarves or hijab are persons of loose morals.

Suhra, welcoming the police action, claimed that such incidents aim to portray the Muslim community and women negatively, creating tension by dividing them based on their choice of clothing.

She accused Faizi of insulting all women who do not wear the headscarf. Suhra also alleged that the police initially hesitated to take action on her complaint, only acting after legal opinion confirmed their authority to do so.

The television debate in question occurred against the backdrop of a controversial statement made by CPI(M) leader K Anil Kumar during a seminar on the Uniform Civil Code in October. Kumar's statement, suggesting the Communist party's influence led Muslim girls in Malappuram to give up the hijab, ignited a heated discussion.

CPI(M) leaders, including Lok Sabha MP A M Arif, criticized Kumar's remarks, emphasizing the right to wear what one chooses as a fundamental and democratic right.

CPI(M) state secretary and Politburo member M V Govindan distanced the party from Kumar's stand, stating that individuals have the right to wear what they want without interference.