The Allahabad High Court has rejected the plea of Swami Prasad Maurya, a Samajwadi Party leader and Member of the Legislative Council in Uttar Pradesh. The court's decision was based on the premise that Maurya's statements led to the widespread burning of copies of the revered Hindu text, Ramcharitmanas, and the propagation of derogatory comments against the Hindu community. Maurya had filed this plea to request the dismissal of all criminal proceedings against him in this case.

The case against Maurya primarily revolves around his controversial remarks regarding the Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas, in which he raised objections to certain quatrains (chaupayis) in the book. He alleged that some of these verses insulted specific sections of society and should be banned, singling out two that he believed targeted Dalits, women, tribals, and backward class people. The court found that Maurya's actions had incited violence and unrest among different segments of the Hindu community.

As a result, an FIR (First Information Report) was filed against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, which include charges of promoting enmity between different groups, deliberate insults to religious beliefs, and making statements that promote enmity or ill-will between classes.

In his defense, Maurya cited Article 19(1)(A) of the Indian Constitution, claiming his right to freedom of expression. He argued that he had merely quoted verses from the Ramcharitmanas and that the words were not his own.

The court, nevertheless, dismissed these arguments and emphasized that even though freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it must be subject to reasonable limitations. The court noted that Maurya's alleged statements had led to riots and the burning of copies of the Ramcharitmanas, a revered text among Hindus. Additionally, the court analyzed the contentious chaupayis (four-line verses) in question to gain a better understanding of their true meaning and context.

In the end, the court identified sufficient initial evidence against Maurya and declined to dismiss the criminal proceedings.