SP MLA Abu Azmi moves Bombay High Court to quash FIRs lodged for praising Aurangzeb

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi has approached the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of criminal cases filed against him over his controversial remarks praising Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb during the budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on March 3. The comments, made in response to media queries, triggered a political uproar and led to Azmi's suspension from the Assembly. Azmi allegedly stated that Aurangzeb was a good administrator, claiming that India was known as a "Golden Sparrow" during his reign, with a GDP of 24%, and that the Mughal emperor did not draw a salary from the state. He further asserted that India's borders then stretched from Burma to Afghanistan, and that Aurangzeb’s army included Hindu commanders, with battles not based on religious lines. These remarks were heavily criticized, with many alleging that they hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and defamed the ruling political party, especially in light of Azmi's further claim that the government was attempting to divide Hindus and Muslims and destroy the Muslim community.

Following the backlash, Azmi was booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023—namely, Sections 299 (deliberate insult to religious beliefs), 302 (hurting religious feelings), and 356(1) and 356(2) (defamation). Although a trial court had earlier granted him anticipatory bail, Azmi has now filed two petitions through Advocate Mubin Solkar, seeking to quash the FIRs registered at Marine Drive and Thane Police Stations. A Bench of Justices AS Gadkari and Rajesh Patil has issued notices on the pleas, and the matter is scheduled for hearing after four weeks. Azmi contends that his statements were misrepresented by the media and maintains his innocence. His petition argues that the FIRs do not establish the essential elements of the alleged offences and lack any indication of malicious intent, claiming that the cases are politically motivated and constitute an abuse of the legal process. He has also demanded the revocation of his suspension from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.