Calling someone 'Miyan-Tiyan' or 'Pakistani' in poor taste doesn't constitute an offence: SC

New Delhi, March 4 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that addressing a person as "Miyan-Tiyan" or "Pakistani" in poor taste does not constitute an offence under Section 298 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to hurting religious sentiments.

Discharging an individual from the charge under Section 298 IPC (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings), the Court stated, "The appellant is accused of hurting the religious feelings of the informant by calling him 'Miyan-Tiyan' and 'Pakistani.'

Undoubtedly, the statements made are in poor taste. However, they do not amount to hurting the religious sentiments of the informant."

A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma was hearing...