Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds Dignity, Bans Effigy Burning of Sonam Suryavanshi on Dussehra

In a landmark decision that underscores the inviolability of individual dignity and the rule of law, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a categorical ban on the burning of Sonam Suryavanshi's effigy during the upcoming Dussehra festival. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Avnindra Kumar Singh, declared such an act as 'wholly impermissible,' firmly asserting that no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

The court’s swift intervention came after Suryavanshi herself filed a petition, expressing grave concerns for her fundamental right to live with dignity, which she argued was being severely threatened.

Her plea highlighted the immense mental torture she was enduring due to the public announcement by the Hindu Jagran Manch to burn her effigy. This drastic measure was reportedly a retaliatory response to an alleged social media post by Suryavanshi, which purportedly contained objectionable remarks against Hindu deities.

During the proceedings, Suryavanshi's counsel, Mr.

D.P. Singh, fervently argued that his client was a law-abiding citizen and that any public humiliation, such as effigy burning, would constitute a direct violation of her constitutional rights. He emphasized that even if there were allegations against her, due process must be followed, and public shaming cannot be a substitute for legal action.

The High Court concurred wholeheartedly with the petitioner's arguments, stating unequivocally, 'This Court has no hesitation to hold that burning the effigy of the petitioner is wholly impermissible and would certainly be a violation of her fundamental right to live with dignity.' The bench sternly reminded all parties that maintaining law and order is paramount and that personal grievances, however strongly felt, cannot justify actions that infringe upon another citizen's dignity and rights.

As a result, the court issued a clear directive to the Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), and the Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station.

They were mandated to ensure that no effigy of Sonam Suryavanshi is burnt during the Dussehra festivities. Furthermore, acknowledging the potential threat to her safety, the High Court also ordered that appropriate police protection be provided to Suryavanshi if she apprehends any danger to her life or liberty.

The respondents in the case included the State of Madhya Pradesh, the Collector, the Superintendent of Police, and the Hindu Jagran Manch through its President, all of whom were put on notice regarding the court's strict stance.

This ruling sets a powerful precedent, reaffirming the judiciary's role as the protector of individual liberties and a bulwark against vigilante justice, especially in the emotionally charged environment of public disputes.