Drawing a cartoon of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Madhya Pradesh, another Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled State, proved too costly for the cartoonist of leading Indore-based eveninger Prabhat Kiran. He landed behind bars for his “crime.”
Harish Yadav (39) was arrested under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) for a cartoon of Mr. Modi published in the paper on September 20.
Mr. Yadav, who uses the pen name, ‘Musavvir', had drawn an undressed Mr. Modi with a skull cap held up by a stick blocking his rear.
The cartoon is apparently a reference to the Gujarat Chief Minister refusing to accept and wear a skull cap presented to him a by a Muslim cleric during his recent three-day fast in Gujarat.
Prabhat Kiran Editor Prakash Purohit criticised the police action, claiming it was an infringement on the fundamental right to the freedom of speech and expression.
He defended the cartoon, saying there was nothing objectionable in it and that it was widely appreciated by readers.
The article is malicious because it deliberately hides something critical in the entire story. The police complaint was filed by a Muslim gentleman stating that his religious views had been hurt. By bringing up BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh in a misleading context, the article seems to create an impression that the complainant was someone from BJP. No Sir, it was a Muslim guy who felt offended.
While Hindu is well known for its pro-Congress / Communist and anti-BJP stance, one always expected certain level of journalist ethics from it.
There is something common between elements in the BJP and elements in the Islamic fundamentalist groups. Both groups are humourless authoritarians. Instead of confronting dissent and satire with reason and humour, they reach for physical intimidation. They are going to drive Indian cartoonists into seeking poitical asylum in Denmark.
well, the article says "undressed" caricature. That is pretty offensive, in my view. Nevertheless, we aren't in Stone Age, so someone ending up in jail for that is pretty sad. May he get his bail soon!
Famous cartoonists of yesteryears were treated with great respect by the political leaders as the cartoons are normally viewed in a humorous way. Low of England and Shankar of Shankar's Weekly in India were top cartoonists and the readers enjoyed their drawings.Shankar, prior to starting his own weekly, was on the rolls of Hindustan Times at Delhi and he gave one cartoon every day for publication, and the readers and leaders enjoyed them, considering the meaning . The same case with RK.Lakshman. It is a surprise, that a cartoonist has landed up in jail for a cartoon.. The news is shocking.
Please Email the Editor