'Cook Fish For Bengalis' Remark| 'Speech In Gujarati, He Tendered Apology': Calcutta HC Quashes FIR Against Paresh Rawal

The Calcutta High Court on Monday quashed a first information report registered (FIR) against BJP leader and actor Paresh Rawal for alleged hate speech against the Bengali community.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha while quashing the FIR noted that the speech in question was made in Gujarati which may not be necessarily understood by the people who have objected to it. He also took into consideration that Rawal has already given clarifications and tendered an apology for the speech in question.

“The speech in question was made in Gujarati and there is no English translation of the text till date. There have been some comments against the speech by persons who may not necessarily understand Gujarati. Above all, the petitioner has clarified and has also tendered an apology”, the Court observed.

Accordingly, the Court after having considered the facts of the case ruled that further continuation of the proceedings and the FIR would not be desirable and therefore, quashed the FIR.

“Having regard to the whole facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the view that the further continuation of the FIR and the proceedings, in not desirable. Hence, FIR No. 153 dated 02.12.2022 shall stand quashed”, the Court added.

The actor was booked by the Kolkata Police on a complaint filed by the CPI(M)'s West Bengal unit secretary Mohd Salim alleging that Rawal hurt the sentiments of Bengalis by making hate speech against the community members.

Reportedly during his poll campaign in Gujarat's Valsad district, Rawal had made a statement linking the price of gas cylinders with cooking fish for Bengalis. He has reportedly said,

"Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?"

However, amidst widespread criticism Rawal he had later clarified that by "Bengali", he meant illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya immigrants who enter India through West Bengal.

Case Title: Paresh Dayabhai Rawal @ Paresh Rawal vs State of West Bengal Paresh

Case Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Cal) 31

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