Chhattisgarh BJP MLA faces FIR for 'derogatory remarks' on Jesus Christ

RAIPUR: A BJP MLA in Chhattisgarh faces an FIR for allegedly making controversial remarks against Jesus Christ.

A court in Jashpur has ordered an FIR to be filed against local MLA Raymuni Bhagat under BNS sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 302 (intentionally hurting religious feelings).

Lawyer Vishnu Prasad Kuldeep, counsel for petitioner Hemon Kujur, said that the incident dates to Sept 1 last year when members of Christian community alleged that MLA Bhagat made controversial remarks against Christ at the inauguration of a community hall in Dhegni village in Asta area of Jashpur, 460km from Raipur and close to the Jharkhand border.

Christian community members filed complaints against the MLA at multiple police stations and outposts across the district, demanding an FIR. However, after investigating the matter, police found no objectionable content in the MLA's speech and advised the complainants to approach court for further action, the counsel said. Community members also complained to the Jashpur SP but in vain, the counsel told TOI.

Kujur then moved an application in the court of judicial magistrate first-class (JMFC) Anil Kumar Chauhan, through counsel Kuldeep, seeking registration of an FIR. The plea was allowed.