The Race Course police in Coimbatore have registered a case against the presbyter of CSI Immanuel Church for allegedly making defamatory remarks about another religion during a sermon, sparking controversy and legal action. The Presbyter had spoken about caste system in his sermon.
Coimbatore: The Race Course police on Tuesday registered a case against Prince Calvin, the presbyter of the CSI Immanuel Church, for delivering a controversial sermon that allegedly contained defamatory remarks about another religion.
The case was filed based on a complaint lodged by Priyanka, a sub-inspector at the Race Course police station. The presbyter has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), Section 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and Section 505 (ii) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes).
According to police reports, the controversial sermon was delivered during the Sunday service on June 16, 2024. What amplified the issue was the subsequent uploading of the sermon on the church's Facebook page, which brought it to the attention of a wider audience, including the complainant.
Law enforcement officials stated that certain remarks made during the sermon were deemed offensive enough to potentially incite enmity and tension between two religious communities, thereby posing a threat to communal harmony. The exact nature of these remarks has not been disclosed to the public, likely to prevent further escalation of tensions.
This incident has raised important questions about the boundaries of religious expression and the responsibility of religious leaders in maintaining communal harmony. It also highlights the increasing scrutiny of religious discourse in the age of social media, where local sermons can quickly gain wider exposure.
The CSI Immanuel Church, a prominent religious institution in Coimbatore, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. The silence from the church authorities has led to speculation and debate among the local community.
Legal experts point out that cases under these sections of the IPC are serious and can lead to significant penalties if the accused is found guilty. The case against Presbyter Prince Calvin will likely be closely watched, as its outcome could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
Community leaders from various religious groups in Coimbatore have called for calm and restraint, emphasizing the need for inter-faith dialogue and understanding. Some have expressed concern that such incidents, if not handled sensitively, could potentially disrupt the social fabric of the city known for its religious diversity.
The case was filed based on a complaint lodged by Priyanka, a sub-inspector at the Race Course police station. The presbyter has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), Section 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and Section 505 (ii) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes).
According to police reports, the controversial sermon was delivered during the Sunday service on June 16, 2024. What amplified the issue was the subsequent uploading of the sermon on the church's Facebook page, which brought it to the attention of a wider audience, including the complainant.
Law enforcement officials stated that certain remarks made during the sermon were deemed offensive enough to potentially incite enmity and tension between two religious communities, thereby posing a threat to communal harmony. The exact nature of these remarks has not been disclosed to the public, likely to prevent further escalation of tensions.
This incident has raised important questions about the boundaries of religious expression and the responsibility of religious leaders in maintaining communal harmony. It also highlights the increasing scrutiny of religious discourse in the age of social media, where local sermons can quickly gain wider exposure.
The CSI Immanuel Church, a prominent religious institution in Coimbatore, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. The silence from the church authorities has led to speculation and debate among the local community.
Legal experts point out that cases under these sections of the IPC are serious and can lead to significant penalties if the accused is found guilty. The case against Presbyter Prince Calvin will likely be closely watched, as its outcome could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
Community leaders from various religious groups in Coimbatore have called for calm and restraint, emphasizing the need for inter-faith dialogue and understanding. Some have expressed concern that such incidents, if not handled sensitively, could potentially disrupt the social fabric of the city known for its religious diversity.