MUMBAI: The Social Service Branch of the Mumbai Police has booked the editor and publisher of a magazine on the charge of hurting the religious sentiments of a community by publishing an allegedly derogatory advertisement about Dr BR Ambedkar in its current issue.
An SSB officer said the editor and publisher of JAM, a fortnightly magazine, had been booked under Section 295-A of Indian Penal Code (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religious beliefs).
In an apology on its online edition, the magazine said, ‘‘The latest issue of JAM magazine carried an ad for World AIDS Day featuring illustrations which have caused hurt to the sentiments of some communities. JAM magazine sincerely apologises for any hurt which was inadvertently caused.”
It added, “We are doing everything possible to make amends. JAM magazine copies have been withdrawn from all newsstands.”
JAM, it said, has been in publication for 11 years and is a fun magazine meant for the youth and steers clear of religious issues.
“Since our readership comprises all castes, communities and religions, we would never intentionally do anything to hurt their sentiments,” it said.
