Allahabad High Court Refuses to Discharge Book Editor in Quran Insult Case, Cites Prima Facie Evidence

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a revision plea filed by a book editor seeking discharge in a case alleging that a publication contained insulting remarks against the Quran and Islam.

The Court held that at the stage of framing charges, only a prima facie case needs to be examined, not a detailed evaluation of evidence.

It noted that copies of the book were recovered and the editor’s name appeared on them, which was sufficient at this stage.

Finding no illegality in the trial court’s order refusing discharge, the High Court upheld the decision and allowed the criminal proceedings to continue.

[Madan Gopal Sinha v. State of U.P. & Anr.]