Ashutosh Shukla
BHOPAL/JABALPUR: Madhya Pradesh HC granted bail to a Bhopal man accused of shouting ‘Pakistan zindabad, Hindustan murdabad’ with the condition that he would have to go to a police station twice a month, salute the national flag 21 times, saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai‘ each time.
Till the trial concludes, the accused Faizal alias Faizan must appear at Misrod PS, where the case is registered, on the first and fourth Tuesday of every month and salute the Indian flag 21 times with the slogan ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, the bench ordered.
According to the prosecution, Faizal raised the slogan on May 17, 2024. He was arrested by Misrod Police in Bhopal under IPC Section 153 for ‘promoting enmity‘. He has been in detention since then.
Faizal’s counsel acknowledged he shouted the slogan but prayed to the court to grant him bail with some stringent conditions. The govt counsel opposed bail, saying Faizal has a criminal background and has committed a serious offence by raising a slogan against the country.
After hearing both sides, HC said there are 13 cases against the accused and he is also seen shouting the slogan on video. However, HC decided to grant him bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and surety of the same amount in the trial court.