Indian SC judge questions jailing of Muslim youths over eating chicken biryani
Says no law bars eating chicken over Ganga
New Delhi: Indian Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has questioned the arrest and prolonged incarceration of 14 Muslim youths who were jailed after eating chicken biryani during an iftar gathering on a boat in the River Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, describing the case as a disturbing example of the growing criminalization of ordinary acts.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at the 4th Justice G.P. Singh Memorial Lecture at the National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, Justice Bhuyan pointed out that the youth had to spend three months in jail for something that isn’t an offence, adding there was no law prohibiting the consumption of chicken over the Ganga.
“I am sure consuming chicken biryani is not an offence. It can’t be an offence…they were arrested for that very reason, and they had to remain in jail for three months,” he said.
The youths were arrested in March after allegation that they consumed chicken biryani during an iftar boat ride and threw meat remnants into the river, allegedly hurting religious sentiments. They were booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of outraging religious feelings, promoting enmity, creating public nuisance, and violating environmental laws.
Justice Bhuyan said the case reflected a disturbing trend in which peaceful and ordinary acts were increasingly being treated as criminal offences. “The right to express one’s views and to demonstrate peacefully are fundamental freedoms of the citizens. Debate and dissent are the essence of democracy. Unfortunately, even normal activities are being criminalised,” he further added.
The judge also pointed out that the people voicing concern over the environment are treated as criminals, and students spend over a month in jail for campus protests. “People who come to voice their anguish over environmental degradation, which is a reality, are chased away as if they are criminals. Students protesting on campuses are arrested, and they do not get bail for 30-40 days,” he said. He further questioned restrictive bail conditions imposed by courts and observed that the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling against “bulldozer justice”, though welcome, had come “two years too late.”
Justice Bhuyan also criticized the Bombay High Court’s refusal to permit a pro-Palestine demonstration, questioning why peaceful expressions of solidarity should be viewed with suspicion in a country that officially recognizes Palestine.
