Hindu teacher sentenced to life imprisonment for ‘blasphemy’ in Ghotki

Additional Sessions Judge Mumtaz Ali Solangi delivered the verdict on February 8, 2022. It has taken the court two years to pass the final order. Nautan Lal has been in jail since 2019 as an undertrial prisoner.

A written copy of the court’s verdict, available with SAMAA Digital, states that he was convicted under Section 265-H of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This section says: if the accused admits that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the court may pass a sentence upon him according to law, and if the accused does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the court may take evidence in respect of the alleged previous conviction, and shall record a finding thereon, and then pass sentence upon him according to law.

A case against Nautan Lal was also registered under Section 295-C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

He has been sent back to Central Prison in Sukkur. In the past two years, his requests for bail have been rejected twice.

On September 14, 2019, a video was shared on social media in which a teenager, a first-year Intermediate student, claimed that the owner of Ghotki’s Sindh Public Higher Secondary School had blasphemed himself. According to teachers, however, Nautan Lal was just visiting that day. He doesn’t actually teach at his school. He is a physics teacher at Government Degree College Ghotki.

Soon after, the head of a madrassa, Mufti Adul Karim Sayeedi of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, registered a blasphemy case against the school owner. Violence broke out in the district the night the case was registered.

As the news spread, masked men attacked the Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki. They ransacked the temple, damaged its idols and battered its blue and green walls.
Blasphemy law in Pakistan

Under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) anyone who uses derogatory remarks in respect of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is punishable by death.

Section 295-C of the PPC reads, “Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet: Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”

No one has ever been executed under the blasphemy law in Pakistan as higher courts have either overturned or commuted sentences by the lower courts.

In 2019, in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Aasia Noreen, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. In its verdict, the court said, “As noted…sometimes, to fulfill nefarious designs the law is misused by individuals leveling false allegations of blasphemy. Stately, since 1990, 62 people have been murdered as a result of blasphemy allegations, even before their trial could be conducted in accordance with law.”

https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/2022/02/hindu-teacher-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-for-blasphemy-in-ghotki/

 

[Abdul Rehman Majeed]

What about hurting religious sentiments of Hindus living in Pakistan?
Do these blasphemy laws apply against insulting Hinduism or not?

I have seen Pakistani movie clips that are grossly offensive to any practicing Hindu.
For example this.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1480528670506639363

You are a moron. Does Hinduism have a concept of blasphemy ? My understanding is No. So how can you apply blasphemy laws to Hinduism?

 

[The Eagle]

What about hurting religious sentiments of Hindus living in Pakistan?
Do these blasphemy laws apply against insulting Hinduism or not?

I have seen Pakistani movie clips that are grossly offensive to any practicing Hindu.
For example this.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1480528670506639363

Far less than what Hindutva Mobs been doing on the ground and Internet. A movie Versus reality in India. Do you think that a film shows it and happening to Hindus in Pakistan on every other day.

Additional Sessions Judge Mumtaz Ali Solangi delivered the verdict on February 8, 2022. It has taken the court two years to pass the final order. Nautan Lal has been in jail since 2019 as an undertrial prisoner.

A written copy of the court’s verdict, available with SAMAA Digital, states that he was convicted under Section 265-H of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This section says: if the accused admits that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the court may pass a sentence upon him according to law, and if the accused does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the court may take evidence in respect of the alleged previous conviction, and shall record a finding thereon, and then pass sentence upon him according to law.

A case against Nautan Lal was also registered under Section 295-C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

He has been sent back to Central Prison in Sukkur. In the past two years, his requests for bail have been rejected twice.

On September 14, 2019, a video was shared on social media in which a teenager, a first-year Intermediate student, claimed that the owner of Ghotki’s Sindh Public Higher Secondary School had blasphemed himself. According to teachers, however, Nautan Lal was just visiting that day. He doesn’t actually teach at his school. He is a physics teacher at Government Degree College Ghotki.

Soon after, the head of a madrassa, Mufti Adul Karim Sayeedi of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, registered a blasphemy case against the school owner. Violence broke out in the district the night the case was registered.

As the news spread, masked men attacked the Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki. They ransacked the temple, damaged its idols and battered its blue and green walls.
Blasphemy law in Pakistan

Under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) anyone who uses derogatory remarks in respect of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is punishable by death.

Section 295-C of the PPC reads, “Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet: Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”

No one has ever been executed under the blasphemy law in Pakistan as higher courts have either overturned or commuted sentences by the lower courts.

In 2019, in a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Aasia Noreen, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. In its verdict, the court said, “As noted…sometimes, to fulfill nefarious designs the law is misused by individuals leveling false allegations of blasphemy. Stately, since 1990, 62 people have been murdered as a result of blasphemy allegations, even before their trial could be conducted in accordance with law.”

https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/2022/02/hindu-teacher-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-for-blasphemy-in-ghotki/

The case has been trialed in the Court and will lead to appeal as well. The issue is not about targeting the minority but whether the blasphemy is proven or not. There is the law in the country and everyone should follow. In-fact, the article covers that how many been acquitted before as well as nothing can be proved. At-least, no one is being lynched in street so far merely on the suspicion for carrying beef.

 

[TNT]

Why the crowd had to ransack a hindu temple? Isnt this anti Islam? The people of gotki never came out against waderas raping them and against poverty but mullah have brainwashed them so much that they will kill hindus and Christians without proof. Who gave right to the ppl to kill and ransack? What utter morons who will not follow single saying of Prophet SAW but kill in his name for personal gains? To me such ppl are worst than kafirs.

 

[Radhika]

You are a moron. Does Hinduism have a concept of blasphemy ? My understanding is No. So how can you apply blasphemy laws to Hinduism?

You have below par comprehension skill that's why you missed the question mark.
And I checked Pakistani blasphemy laws - they are religion agnostic.

Far less than what Hindutva Mobs been doing on the ground and Internet. A movie Versus reality in India. Do you think that a film shows it and happening to Hindus in Pakistan on every other day.

How such blatantly Hinduphobic content was cleared by Pakistani censor board unless it was intentional?
It would be impossible to see similar content against Islam ever see light of the day under Indian censor board.

 

[AgnosticIndian]

The case has been trialed in the Court and will lead to appeal as well. The issue is not about targeting the minority but whether the blasphemy is proven or not. There is the law in the country and everyone should follow. In-fact, the article covers that how many been acquitted before as well as nothing can be proved. At-least, no one is being lynched in street so far merely on the suspicion for carrying beef.

putting the issue of whataboutery aside, I think it's very weird to declare the law as good in itself, as if it's right to trail people for blasphemy, putting their livelihoods and lives in grave dangerous, or to declare death penalties for it, just because it's the "law". Pakistani Islamists have little to no ground to argue against "Hindu Rashtra" putting people in jail for eating beef, when they screeh about "due process" after every blasphemy case.

it obviously is the issue of putting minorities in danger, as the accused are disproportionately minorities. if a population of less than 2% is experiencing more than 20-50% of the cases, it's obvious who's being targeted. same applies for laws like UAPA in India.

 

[ziaulislam]

Far less than what Hindutva Mobs been doing on the ground and Internet. A movie Versus reality in India. Do you think that a film shows it and happening to Hindus in Pakistan on every other day.



The case has been trialed in the Court and will lead to appeal as well. The issue is not about targeting the minority but whether the blasphemy is proven or not. There is the law in the country and everyone should follow. In-fact, the article covers that how many been acquitted before as well as nothing can be proved. At-least, no one is being lynched in street so far merely on the suspicion for carrying beef.

Weather you like it or not
There is a problem in pakistan
100s of innocent muslims hindus and christians are sentenced for blasphemy when its about your vs my word

It may make news when they are killed(which honestly is better then being in prison in this situation for 30-40 years before trial) but it doesnt when they are sentenced and ultimatley released (either by death or after 40 years of . case in supreme court)

 

[The Eagle]

putting the issue of whataboutery aside, I think it's very weird to declare the law as good in itself, as if it's right to trail people for blasphemy, putting their livelihoods and lives in grave dangerous, or to declare death penalties for it, just because it's the "law". Pakistani Islamists have little to no ground to argue against "Hindu Rashtra" putting people in jail for eating beef, when they screeh about "due process" after every blasphemy case.

it obviously is the issue of putting minorities in danger, as the accused are disproportionately minorities. if a population of less than 2% is experiencing more than 20-50% of the cases, it's obvious who's being targeted. same applies for laws like UAPA in India.

The law is defined under Islam. You will need to read instead of inventing your own version. Your dislike doesn't defines the law as obsolete or used for targeting. Infact an amendment is done to punish the false claim as well. Why not anyone can live without blasphemy? Why a minority or majority Incase of India, needs to offend Islam and Muslims by insulting? Why not to live with your own and don't cross the line? So to protect public sentiments and backlash; law is defined accordingly.

You have below par comprehension skill that's why you missed the question mark.
And I checked Pakistani blasphemy laws - they are religion agnostic.

How such blatantly Hinduphobic content was cleared by Pakistani censor board unless it was intentional?
It would be impossible to see similar content against Islam ever see light of the day under Indian censor board.

Thick words ... Below par.... Censor board can't amend Islam. It's a file and a filmy character. But in-fact, there is Only one ALLAH. Indian films don't need to show that since it is happening in reality. Try to make a movie as such while there are more leading Muslim actors?

Weather you like it or not
There is a problem in pakistan
100s of innocent muslims hindus and christians are sentenced for blasphemy when its about your vs my word

It may make news when they are killed(which honestly is better then being in prison in this situation for 30-40 years before trial) but it doesnt when they are sentenced and ultimatley released (either by death or after 40 years of . case in supreme court)

How many serving the sentence? Yes the law is used by public for personal vendetta as well but law itself is not incorrect. The prosecution is expedited. What if I tell you that there are few cases where genuine criminal is released merely to avoid western backlash?

 

[The Eagle]

you can have your laws, but of course then you should also be able to accept that other countries have, and can make up, laws too, defined by their constitutions; and you would no ground to criticize then for unfairness or targeting of minorities. "fascist" France has laws, it can make up laws, and India under some fascist regime can also make up some laws.

in a better, more "enlightened" world, we would be able to move from this whataboutery instead of fighting 1000 year wars of religion like pre industrial Europe. but many cultures just haven't caught up. shame.

There's no law to offend anyone else. Or you are trying to portray blasphemy in other countries as explained and plausible? There's no whataboutery but law of the land. Make laws if you can and criminalize the insult to religion. Who's stopping anyone? Actually, targeting Islam or calling for ban on Hijab/Pardah is not some law. Where is the freedom then? No one in Pakistan enforces the minorities to change their religious dress or practices.

 

[ziaulislam]

The law is defined under Islam. You will need to read instead of inventing your own version. Your dislike doesn't defines the law as obsolete or used for targeting. Infact an amendment is done to punish the false claim as well. Why not anyone can live without blasphemy? Why a minority or majority Incase of India, needs to offend Islam and Muslims by insulting? Why not to live with your own and don't cross the line? So to protect public sentiments and backlash; law is defined accordingly.



Thick words ... Below par.... Censor board can't amend Islam. It's a file and a filmy character. But in-fact, there is Only one ALLAH. Indian films don't need to show that since it is happening in reality. Try to make a movie as such while there are more leading Muslim actors?



How many serving the sentence? Yes the law is used by public for personal vendetta as well but law itself is not incorrect. The prosecution is expedited. What if I tell you that there are few cases where genuine criminal is released merely to avoid western backlash?

Obviously this isnt public information

But based upon a sample search for 3 months date u will see a few dozen convictions a year

Some are in jail since the 1990s.
Famous asia bibi was in jail for 11 yearsand probably would have spent all her life in jail had she not had good lawyers

 

[The Eagle]

good lawyers

Versus the merit of the case. In-fact, there are more of ground realities. Those allegedly serving jail terms since years, are not innocent at all otherwise, EU and others would have been shouting their lungs out. There are issues not being discussed in public to avoid public anger and so that extremist sponsored groups could take streets. Leave it.

 

[Clutch]

Indians trying to do false equivalency again.

False Equivalence: The Problem with Unreasonable Comparisons

False Equivalence



False equivalence is a logical fallacy that occurs when someone incorrectly asserts that two or more things are equivalent, simply because they share some characteristics, despite the fact that there are also notable differences between them. For example, a false equivalence is saying that cats and dogs are the same animal, since they’re both mammals and have a tail.

False equivalences, which generally exaggerate similarities and ignore important differences, can be used to equate a wide range of things, including individuals, groups, actions, or arguments, either implicitly or explicitly. Accordingly, false equivalences are frequently used in debates on various topics, especially when it comes to suggesting that there is a moral equivalence between two or more things that are being equated.

Because false equivalences are so widely used, it’s important to understand them. As such, in the following article you will learn more about the false equivalence fallacy, see examples of how it’s used, and understand what you can do in order to counter it as effectively as possible.



Table of contents

What makes an equivalence false
Examples of false equivalences
How to respond to a false equivalence
How to avoid using false equivalences
Related fallacy: false balance
Summary and conclusions

What makes an equivalence false

An equivalence is considered false when it’s fallacious in some way, meaning that there is an issue with the reasoning that’s used to explain why the things under consideration are equivalent to one another. The most common issues that make an equivalence false are the following:

• The equivalence exaggerates the degree of similarity between the things being equated. For example, this could involve stating that two people share a certain personality trait, while ignoring the fact that they only share certain aspects of this trait but not others.

• The equivalence exaggerates the importance of the similarity between the things being equated. For example, this could involve focusing on a personality trait that two people share, while ignoring the fact that many other people also share this trait.

• The equivalence ignores important differences between the things being equated. For example, this could involve mentioning a way in which two people are similar to one another, while ignoring the many ways in which they are different.
• 
  
• The equivalence ignores differences in orders of magnitude between the things being equated. For example, this could involve equating different acts that two people performed, and focusing on the fact that these acts are conceptually similar, despite the fact that they’re widely different in terms of their impact.

 

[MilSpec]

At-least, no one is being lynched in street so far merely on the suspicion for carrying beef.

Not for beef sure, but for blasphemy as that is the topic at hand. If memory serves me right, wasn't a Sri Lankan individual recently torn to bits in Pakistan?

 

[Maula Jatt]

Not for beef sure, but for blasphemy as that is the topic at hand. If memory serves me right, wasn't a Sri Lankan individual recently torn to bits in Pakistan?

dozens are on trial facing death sentences... and people who tried supporting the act on SM are also in jail facing years long sentences and fines
similar brutal clampdown happens for almost monthly beef lynching?

state sponsored genocide against hindus

lol, Muslims are targets of this law historically

 

[The Eagle]

How such blatantly Hinduphobic content was cleared by Pakistani censor board unless it was intentional?

This is not India due where Movies are like true presentation of every individual. For every Muslim, there is no god but ALLAH. You have no point to malign but a movie scene that none of Pakistanis would have ever watched. That lame as compare to everyday Islamophobic rise in India. Just look at Hijab Protests recently.

Not for beef sure, but for blasphemy as that is the topic at hand. If memory serves me right, wasn't a Sri Lankan individual recently torn to bits in Pakistan?

Yes A Sri Lankan was targeted on the false blame since those workers were corrupt and had to cover their incompetence, negligence in the job by inventing such Story. We accepted and whole nation stood with. How many examples you can quote from your side? And that beef was blasphemy because of religion yet India is the biggest beef exporter. Can you search and see who is butchering those animals including cows?