Bombay High Court Upholds FIR against Leader for Offensive WhatsApp Messages

The Bombay High Court declined to quash an FIR against Santosh Dattatraya Koli for sending offensive WhatsApp messages. The court stated that the messages were intended to hurt religious sentiments and promote enmity between communities. Consequently, Koli will face further legal action as ordered by the bench.

The Bombay High Court has upheld a 2020 FIR against local leader Santosh Dattatraya Koli for allegedly sending 'extremely offensive' messages in a WhatsApp group, knowing they would harm religious sentiments.

Justices Sarang Kotwal and Neela Gokhale observed on October 16 that Koli's messages were intended to offend religious feelings and could not be dismissed simply because the complainant purportedly consented to quash the case.

The court emphasized that these messages promote enmity between religious groups and cautioned that Koli must face legal consequences as the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)