A brief 46-second video clip posted on X shows flower petals being showered on the acclaimed poet as he waves to a cheering crowd in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, with the controversial song playing in the background
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Congress MP and acclaimed poet Imran Pratapgarhi, known for his evocative verses and sharp criticism of the government, finds himself at the centre of a legal storm. A song played during his convoy, deemed “inflammatory” by some, has led to a court case that has now reached the Supreme Court. The apex court, however, on Tuesday (January 21) provided relief to Pratapgarhi by staying any legal action against him while the matter remains under consideration.
On January 3, an FIR was filed against Pratapgarhi in Jamnagar, Gujarat, accusing him of promoting enmity between communities through an “inflammatory” song played during a mass wedding event. The case invoked Sections 196 and 197 of the Indian Penal Code, alleging that the song’s lyrics were detrimental to national integration and hurt religious sentiments.
A brief 46-second video clip posted by Pratapgarhi on Twitter shows flower petals being showered on him as he waves to a cheering crowd, with the controversial song playing in the background. The complainants argued that the song incited communal tension and was a threat to social harmony.
Pratapgarhi, who is also the national chief of the Congress minority cell, refuted the allegations, stating that the song carried a message of love and non-violence. In his plea to quash the FIR, he claimed that the charges were baseless and motivated by political intent.
“My poetry has always been about raising awareness and promoting peace,” Pratapgarhi argued in court. “The FIR filed against me is a blatant misuse of law aimed at silencing dissent and targeting me for my association with the Congress.”
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Pratapgarhi, pointed out procedural lapses in the Gujarat High Court’s earlier decision to dismiss the petition. He argued that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and the charges lacked substance.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjwal Bhuiyan, provided interim relief to Pratapgarhi on Tuesday, issuing a stay on any legal action while the case proceeds. “Notice be issued to the complainant. No action will be taken on the basis of the FIR registered in this case,” the court ordered, adjourning the hearing to February 10.
Government lawyer Hardik Dave opposed Pratapgarhi’s plea, arguing that the song’s lyrics were provocative and could incite anger against the state. He highlighted that the response to Pratapgarhi’s social media post indicated a potential threat to social harmony.
“The FIR cannot be quashed at this stage as the investigation is still in its infancy,” Dave contended. “The consequences of such provocative content could be severe, and the law must take its course.”
Pratapgarhi’s poetry has long been a voice for the marginalised and a critique of the establishment. His supporters argue that the case is an attempt to stifle his influence and suppress his right to free expression. Critics, however, view the incident as a test of how far artistic freedom can go before crossing into incitement.
“This is not just about a song or a poet,” said activist and political commentator Syed Ahmed. “It’s about the increasing scrutiny and silencing of voices that challenge the status quo.”
The controversy raises significant questions about the balance between free speech and societal harmony. At what point does artistic expression become inflammatory? Can dissenting voices exist in a politically charged environment?
For Imran Pratapgarhi, the battle is not just legal but symbolic. “I will continue to write and speak for justice, for equality, and for love,” he stated in a recent interview. “No court case can change that.”
As the country waits for the Supreme Court’s verdict, the case serves as a litmus test for the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and their limits in an increasingly polarised society.