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A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow city has ordered the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid for his comments on Hindu religion in his book Sunrise Over Ayodhya: Nationhood In Our Times.

The order has come on a complaint filed by one Shubhangi Tiwari. Tiwari had alleged that certain portions of the book amount to hurting the religious feelings of Hindus.

After perusal of Tiwari's application and the arguments raised in its support, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Shantanu Tyagi ordered to register the FIR against the former Union minister. In his order, the Magistrate noted that he was of the opinion that cognizable offences were made out against Khurshid.

As per the order, the Bakshi Ka Talab police in-charge has been directed to get the FIR lodged under the relevant provisions of law and ensure a proper investigation in the matter.

Tiwari had filed the present application under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Magistrate's power to order investigation). She had alleged that earlier when she moved an application before the Police Station for registration of the FIR, her request got denied, therefore, she had filed the present plea before the CJM court.

It is to be noted that the Delhi High Court has recently junked a plea seeking directions to stop the publication, circulation, and sale of Khurshid’s book. During the hearing of the matter on November 25, the high court bench remarked, "Ask people not to buy the book or read it. Or if people are incited, then let then write their own take. What can we do if people are being so sensitive?"

The court was hearing the plea filed by Advocate Vineet Jindal wherein he had alleged that by making the comments on Hindu religion in his book, Khurshid has committed offences under sections 153,153A ,298 and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.

Jindal had stated that in his book Khurshid has made the inciting and defamatory comment in a chapter called "The Saffron Sky.

For reference, in the book on page number 113, Khurshid has written, 

"Sanatan dharma and classical Hinduism known to sages and saints were being pushed aside by a robust version of Hindutva, by all standards a political version similar to the jihadist Islam of groups like ISIS and Boko Haram of recent years."

Jindal had also said that statement is not only instigating and provoking but also stirring enraged emotions among the Hindu religion followers.