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  Judicial Duty to Safeguard Freedom of Expression Regardless of Content: Supreme Court's Stance Author: Abhishek Jat, Advocate Introduction In a seminal judgment delivered on March 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India in  Imran Pratapgadhi v. State of Gujarat  (2025 INSC 410) reinforced the inviolability of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The case arose from the criminal prosecution of a Member of Parliament for reciting a poem deemed inflammatory by the Gujarat Police. The Court’s ruling not only quashed the FIR but also laid down critical principles to prevent the misuse of penal laws to suppress dissent, emphasizing the judiciary’s role as the ultimate protector of constitutional rights. Factual Background and Procedural History The appellant, Imran Pratapgadhi, a Rajya Sabha MP, attended a public event where he recited a poem advocating non-violent resistance to injustice. The poem, which contained lines like...

  Delhi High Court Reiterates Judicial Prudence in Section 498A IPC Cases By Abhishek Jat, Advocate The Delhi High Court’s recent judgment in  Ajay vs. State & Anr.  has brought renewed attention to the application and misuse of  Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) , a provision designed to protect women from dowry-related harassment and cruelty. While the ruling does not introduce new legal doctrines, it reinforces established precedents and underscores the importance of judicial prudence in handling matrimonial disputes. The Court’s decision to quash the FIR in this case highlights the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that genuine grievances are addressed while preventing the misuse of legal provisions for personal vendettas. Detailed Case Analysis: Ajay vs. State & Anr. Background of the Case The petitioner, Ajay, sought the quashing of  FIR No. 262/2017 , registered under  Sections 498A/34 IPC , which alleged dowry harassm...