In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has quashed an FIR against Faizan Ansari, a government teacher accused of sharing an Urdu nazm titled 'Be-haya' on his WhatsApp status. The poem, which addresses themes of women, patriarchy, and social control, sparked protests and complaints alleging it was derogatory to women and could disturb social harmony. However, Justice BP Sharma ruled that a poem cannot be criminalized merely because it offends someone's sensibilities. The court noted that the nazm is publicly available on Rekhta, a platform for Urdu literature, and constitutes a satirical commentary on women's rights without inciting violence or hatred. The court highlighted that mere subjective outrage or claims of hurt sentiments do not justify criminal proceedings. Additionally, it recognized the harassment Ansari faced following the FIR and ordered the police to provide him with necessary security while returning his seized mobile phone. This ruling upholds the fundamental right to free expression as enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.