The Karnataka High Court has granted stay orders on the FIR filed against Hindu activist Sharan Pumpwell for allegedly inciting communal hatred. The FIR was connected to an announcement made by Pumpwell regarding Hindu traders and saffron flags in Dakshina Kannada district. In the announcement, he encouraged Hindus to conduct trade exclusively in shops belonging to Hindu traders who displayed saffron flags.
This led to an FIR being filed by Mangaluru City South police, citing activities that could disrupt communal harmony. Senior advocate M. Arun Shyam, representing Sharan Pumpwell, argued in court that the FIR had no basis and was politically motivated. He requested the FIR to be quashed. The case arose from a dispute over allowing Muslim traders to conduct business on the premises of the Mangala Devi temple.
Hindu activists campaigned for the hoisting of saffron flags on Hindu stalls, leading to the FIR. The court has also issued notice to the Inspector of the Mangaluru South police station.