In India, Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely practice, profess, and propagate their religion. Yet, when it comes to Muslims, this fundamental right often seems like a privilege they have to constantly struggle for. A recent controversy from Kanpur brings this reality into sharp focus.
 
During preparations for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, a local resident named Kunnu Kabadi put up a simple wooden board with the words: “I Love Mohammad.” It wasn’t a provocative slogan, nor did it spread hate—just an expression of love for Prophet Mohammad. But what should have been a harmless gesture suddenly turned into a law-and-order issue. Police arrived, protests erupted, and the board was removed after an uneasy compromise.
 
Strangely, six days later, FIRs were filed against several Muslim youths, reigniting the controversy. The question arises: Was the police trying to maintain peace, or deliberately keeping the issue alive under political pressure?