This kind of law closes doors and minds, out of fear. Let us look at why certain secular organisations and individuals are in opposition to this and see the rationale and logic behind this
Pic/AFP
A group of individuals, many of them Muslims and some allied to the Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD) movement, have pushed back against the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) call for an anti-blasphemy law in India.
Recently, the IMSD put forth its views along with signatures of prominent persons from the community about how this law actually puts clamps on any and all debate about the religion and has been used and abused by nations to criminalise and punish critics, from the Muslim community and outside.
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The IMSD communique sent to various media outlets termed the demand as ‘unconstitutional’ and has stated that there can be no place for such a law in a secular country. Existing hate speech laws can be invoked when warranted, but an anti-blasphemy law plays into the hands of fanatics and seeks to silence even those who question, let alone criticise. Many times, statements that are considered ‘blasphemous’ by some, are not so by others; so there can also be a grey area and the fears of misuse are valid.
The law can also be extremely provocative, inciting murderous mobs and putting those who defend the one accused of blasphemy in the direct line of fire of hardliners. A minister in Pakistan was even shot dead by his bodyguard for his opposition to blasphemy laws.
One has to learn from the global situation, and today is a time to debate, dissent and discuss; if that offends somebody, there are existing laws and sections under which complaints can be lodged. There is machinery in existence.
This kind of law closes doors and minds, out of fear. Let us look at why certain secular organisations and individuals are in opposition to this and see the rationale and logic behind this.
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