On Monday, September 7, 2026, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the slogan ‘Gustakh-e-Nabi Ki Ek Hi Saza, Sar Tan Se Juda’—which translates as ‘there is only one punishment for someone who insults the Prophet: beheading’—constitutes a challenge to the authority of law and the sovereignty and integrity of India. The court noted that it cannot be equated with religious slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’, or ‘Nara-e-Takbir, Allahu Akbar’.
Justice Ashutosh Srivastava delivered the observation while rejecting the bail application of Maulana Tauquir Raza, clerk of the Ala Hazrat Dargah. Raza was arrested in connection with violence that erupted in Bareilly last September after a dispute over posters bearing the phrase ‘I love Mohammed’. He also heads the political outfit Ittehad-e-Millat Council.
The prosecution alleged that the slogan was raised during a gathering that later turned violent, with a mob attacking police, hurling stones and petrol bombs, and damaging public property. The court emphasized that the slogan was not merely an expression of religious belief but ‘incites the people for an armed rebellion’.
Although Mr. Raza was not present at the scene, records show he called on Muslim community members to assemble at Islamia Inter College after Friday prayers, despite the administration not granting permission. The court noted his conduct after the incident, including thanking people who responded to his call, and concluded that the slogan could not be placed on the same footing as slogans expressing reverence for a deity or guru.
