In Ranjanni Gaur v. State of Punjab and Another (2026), the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed an FIR against a woman who dressed her pet dog as Lord Krishna on Janmashtami and shared the image as her WhatsApp status. The Court held that the act, done out of devotion and affection, did not constitute an offence under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as there was no malicious intent to insult religious sentiments. Justice Subhas Mehla observed that Hindu philosophy recognises divinity in all living beings, citing the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and traditions associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Dattatreya. The Court ruled that a pet dog dressed in deity-like attire cannot be considered a "sacred object" under Section 298, and criminal law cannot be invoked based on the subjective hypersensitivity of a few individuals. Emphasising Articles 19(1)(a) and 25 of the Constitution, the Court held that genuine expressions of faith and devotion are protected, and accordingly quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings.