4 days ago
Madras High Court Quashes Case Against 14 Pro-Palestine Protesters
The Madras High Court considered a case against 14 people who supported Palestine.
They had gathered in Gudalur and shouted slogans.
Police accused them of unlawful assembly and wrongful restraint.
The court examined the evidence collected by police.
It found no proof that anyone used force, damaged property, or blocked another person.
The court said peaceful gatherings and political opinions are protected.
It also said a gathering is unlawful only when its purpose involves criminal or illegal acts.
Because the evidence did not show a crime, the court ended the case instead of sending the people to trial.
The Madras High Court quashed a criminal case against 14 people who raised pro-Palestine slogans.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan said peaceful assembly and solidarity with Palestinians are not criminal offences without violence or illegal acts.
The incident occurred on October 5, 2025, in Gudalur, The Nilgiris district.
Police charged the group under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 189(2) and 126(2), concerning unlawful assembly and wrongful restraint.
The court found no evidence of criminal force, public mischief, property damage, or obstruction of movement.
- Who
- The Madras High Court, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, and 14 petitioners led by P.P. Mohamed.
- What
- The court quashed the criminal case and pending trial over pro-Palestine slogans.
- Where
- Gudalur, in The Nilgiris district, India; the case was heard by the Madras High Court.
- When
- The incident occurred on October 5, 2025; the judgment was reported on September 13, 2026.
- Why
- The court found no evidence of violence, criminal force, public mischief, property damage, wrongful restraint, or another unlawful object.
Key facts
- Accused
- 14 individuals, including P.P. Mohamed
- Incident date
- October 5, 2025
- Location
- Gudalur, The Nilgiris district
- Charges
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 189(2) and 126(2)
- Reported gathering time
- Approximately 6:00 p.m.
- Court finding
- No evidence of criminal force, public mischief, property damage, or wrongful restraint
- Outcome
- Criminal case and pending magistrate-court trial quashed
Quotes
Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan
Madras High Court judge who ruled on the criminal original petition
“If the entire materials collected by the prosecution taken as a whole would not constitute any offence, then directing the parties to undergo the ordeal of trial will be a futile exercise”
news18.com
Sources
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