Court Orders FIR in Gujarat Over Alleged Economic Boycott of Muslims

A Gujarat court has ordered an FIR against individuals who allegedly called for an economic boycott of Muslims in a village following communal violence. Petitioner Makbul Husen Sheikh accused villagers of inciting the boycott after a riot. The court rejected police findings and mandated an investigation.

The Patan district court in Gujarat has mandated the filing of an FIR against a group accused of calling for an economic boycott of Muslims in the village of Balisana. This move follows communal violence that erupted in July of the previous year.

The court directed the sub-inspector of Balisana police station to register the case and complete the investigation promptly, following a complaint by petitioner Makbul Husen Sheikh. Sheikh claimed that some individuals misused the riots to incite a boycott and force Muslims out of business by canceling their shop leases.

Evidence presented included social media videos and testimonials from affected individuals. Despite the initial police report stating no crime was committed, the court overruled it and ordered an FIR under IPC sections for promoting enmity and circulating alarming news, but not hate speech.