India: Court Orders FIR Against Villagers for Economic Boycott of Muslims

A Patan district court in Ahmedabad has ordered the registration of FIRs against several villagers for allegedly promoting enmity between religious groups following communal riots in Balisana village last year, Deccan Herald reported yesterday.

The riots erupted on July 16, 2023, over a religious Instagram post. Complainant Makbulhusen Dilavarbhai Shekh claimed that a video clip was circulated, calling for an economic boycott of Muslims.

Despite the local police’s initial refusal to file an FIR, Shekh presented evidence in court, leading to the judge’s directive. The police had argued that the boycott was a consequence of communal tensions and claimed no criminal activity occurred. However, the court found sufficient grounds to proceed, stating that many Muslims lost their livelihoods due to the boycott. The judge instructed the Balisana police to file an FIR and take necessary action against those responsible for the boycott calls.