Hindu teacher acquitted in blasphemy case

Verdict of Sukkur High Court in Sindh Province (Pakistan)

The High Court registered an objection to the irresponsible actions of the Police

A local Court had ordered life imprisonment

Islamabad (Pakistan) – The Sukkur High Court in Pakistan’s Sindh Province has acquitted a Hindu teacher of blasphemy charges stemming from a case from 2019. Allegations arose when one of his Muslim students accused Nautan Lal, a Hindu teacher, of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad while teaching a subject at school. Subsequently, Lal was arrested and swiftly prosecuted, resulting in direct sentencing to life imprisonment by the local Court. The High Court, however, criticised the haste with which the Police acted, highlighting a lack of proper investigation and a failure to fulfil their responsibilities.

The judgment emphasised that Nautan Lal had never been implicated in any anti-social activities and presented no evidence of inciting religious hatred or uttering offensive remarks against anyone. Furthermore, the High Court noted a glaring omission in the Police report; there was no mention of the alleged abusive words attributed to Lal. This omission underscores the gross negligence in the Police’s handling of the case.

This is the plight of Hindus in Pakistan

Nautan Lal’s daughter told the media, “We are relieved to some extent due to the Court’s verdict, but my father is still not freed. So, we are worried about what will happen next ? My father worked in a Government job for 30 years. Our family had never been prosecuted. We are three sisters, one brother and one mother. For the last 5 years, we have been facing financial difficulties. My 60-year-old father was put in prison 5 years ago. We are receiving death threats. Father’s salary has stopped and there is no other source of income.”

What is the matter ?

In 2019, when Nautan Lal’s student informed his father about an alleged blasphemy incident in the classroom, the matter was made viral on Facebook. The local market was shuttered after the incident, and a gang launched an attack on the school building, causing extensive damage. Additionally, some fanatic Muslims targeted Nautan Lal’s residence and desecrated a nearby temple. As tensions escalated, the District Administration mobilised the reserved Police force to restore order.

Editorial Perspective

The pervasive Hindu hatred within both the populace and the institutional framework of Pakistan is starkly evident from this example. By God’s grace, at least the High Court ruled in favour of this Hindu based on the principles of law. However, it is doubtful whether this Hindu teacher will be able to lead a secure life upon his release from prison.