UP, Sep.23,2025:The I Love Mohammad Banner Controversy has become one of the most debated communal flashpoints in recent times. What began as a banner displayed during Barawafat (Eid Milad-un-Nabi) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has now escalated into FIRs, mass protests, political reactions, and arrests across several Indian states-
Muslim communities argue this is an attack on their right to religious expression, while authorities insist the FIRs were about violations of law and order, not faith. The tension has spread from Kanpur to Lucknow, Unnao, Bahraich, and Kashipur (Uttarakhand), igniting nationwide debates.
Kanpur- How the Dispute Began
In Kanpur’s Rawatpur area, local residents erected a tent and displayed a banner reading “I Love Mohammad” during the Barawafat procession. Another group opposed the move, claiming it was against the agreed-upon tradition.
The matter escalated quickly. Police intervened, and although the banner was eventually installed at the designated spot, tensions remained. An FIR was filed on September 10 under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 196 and 299, citing charges of promoting enmity and disturbing communal harmony.
Police Clarification and FIR Details
According to Kanpur DCP West Dinesh Tripathi, the FIR was not against the banner itself but against the unauthorized tent and for tearing posters belonging to another community.
However, the FIR text also claimed that by raising the “I Love Mohammad” banner, an attempt was made to “start a new tradition,” which fueled further anger among Muslims.
Police confirmed no arrests were initially made in Kanpur, but multiple names were mentioned in the FIR, including organizers of the procession.
Owaisi’s Strong Reaction
AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi openly criticized the FIR on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“I Love Mohammad, Kanpur Police — this is not a crime. If it is, I am ready to face every punishment.”
He accused authorities of targeting Muslims for expressing love for the Prophet, calling the FIR a direct attack on religious freedom.
Lucknow Protests Led by Women
In Lucknow, women protesters, led by Sumaiya Rana, daughter of late poet Munawwar Rana, gathered outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly carrying the same banner.
Sumaiya alleged that several young men who tried to join were stopped by police. She further claimed some were detained for hours without formal charges.
Police, however, clarified no FIR was filed against these women and that protesters were redirected to designated protest sites like Eco Garden.
Unnao Clashes and Arrests
The I Love Mohammad Banner Controversy spread to Unnao, where Muslims staged processions without police permission. According to ASP Akhilesh Singh, the demonstrations violated prohibitory orders under Section 163.
Five people were arrested after a scuffle broke out with police. Videos circulating on social media showed women and children chanting slogans while holding banners.
Kashipur Violence in Uttarakhand
The controversy turned violent in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, where over 400 people marched with the banners. Clashes erupted between police and protestors, leaving an officer injured.
Police vehicles were damaged, and lathicharge was used to disperse the crowd. Eight people, including Nadeem Akhtar, were arrested, and 10 others detained for questioning.
According to SSP Manikant Mishra, the procession was held without prior permission and involved “deliberate attempts to incite violence.”
Bahraich Youth Face Legal Action
In Bahraich, youths submitted a memorandum to local authorities demanding withdrawal of the Kanpur FIR. Surprisingly, they too faced FIRs for holding an “unauthorized march.”
Former AMU Student Union president Faizul Hasan criticized the move, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. He has now filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking to quash the FIR.
Political Reactions Across India
The banner row has triggered strong political responses-
- Imran Pratapgarhi (Congress MP): Questioned whether 30 crore Muslims should face FIRs for loving the Prophet.
- UP Minister Dharmapal Singh: Warned that no one will be allowed to “play with law.”
- BJP Spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi: Denied allegations of targeting Muslims, stressing that “law applies equally to all.”
Why the I Love Mohammad Banner Matters
The I Love Mohammad Banner Controversy is not just about a banner — it reflects deeper concerns of religious freedom, minority rights, and selective law enforcement.
- Muslims argue that displaying love for Prophet Mohammad is part of their faith.
- Authorities insist the issue is about law and order violations, not belief.
- Human rights activists claim these actions are part of a larger trend of selective targeting of Muslims.
This growing mistrust has sparked widespread anger, protests, and fears of further polarization.
The I Love Mohammad Banner Controversy has gone beyond Kanpur, highlighting the fragile balance between religious expression and law enforcement in India.
With FIRs, arrests, and protests spreading across states, the issue could snowball into a nationwide communal flashpoint unless handled sensitively.
Legal battles are already underway, political leaders are divided, and Muslim communities vow not to remain silent. Whether this controversy fades away or escalates into a larger political storm will depend heavily on how law enforcement and political leadership manage the coming weeks.
