High Court Decision on Muslim Girl’s Handshake

High Court Slams Man for Criticizing Muslim Girl’s Handshake: “Can’t Impose…”

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Abdul Noushad, who criticized a Muslim girl for shaking hands with former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac at a public event. The court made it clear that no religious belief stands above the Constitution.

This ruling was delivered by a single-judge bench of Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, who noted that “shaking hands” is a traditional gesture symbolizing greeting, respect, courtesy, agreement, friendship, and solidarity.

The woman accused Noushad of circulating a video via WhatsApp claiming she violated Shariat Law. According to the video, the act was considered adultery because she touched a man.

The incident occurred when the woman, a second-year law student at Markaz Law College, participated in an interactive session with Isaac. Students received gifts for asking questions and shook hands with him. However, Noushad shared a video alleging the woman violated Shariat Law, leading to police charges against him under Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 119(a) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011.

The woman stated that the video brought disgrace to her and her family. The court noted that a courageous Muslim woman came forward, asserting that the video’s distribution infringed upon her freedom of religious belief.

“In such situations, our Constitution will protect her interests. Moreover, society has to support her,” Justice Kunhikrishnan stated.

He added, “No religious belief is above the Constitution. The Constitution is supreme.”

The court emphasized the importance of personal choice in religious practices, stating that “there is no compulsion in religion, especially in Islam.”

In its ruling, the court highlighted that one individual cannot force another to adhere to their religious beliefs. It asserted, “The woman in this case has the right to follow a religious practice in her own way,” stressing that no one should impose their beliefs on others.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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