The supreme court of Pakistan has advised prosecutors to use “the utmost caution” in handling cases involving alleged violations of the country’s blasphemy laws.

The court said that false accusations may arise out of “zeal or moral outrage,” and law-enforcement officials should “carry out a meticulous and diligent investigation” before proceeding.

The court’s statement was welcomed by Christian leaders in Pakistan, who have frequently said that blasphemy charges are used as a weapon against members of the country’s religious minorities.