Punjab And Haryana High Court Grants Bail To 65 Y/O Man Who Allegedly Called Lord Valmiki A 'Dacoit' & 'Thief'

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently granted bail to a 65-year-old man who allegedly referred to Lord Valmiki as a 'Dacoit' and 'Thief'.

The bench of Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi granted bail to Krishan Dev Dubey booked under Section 295A IPC after it noted that he is a first-time offender and has been in custody since 23.01.2022 and that his further incarceration is not required.

The bench also noted that the veracity of the allegations leveled against him shall be established during the course of the Trial.

Essentially, one Rishabh Khalsa made allegations against the accused that on January 23, 2022, the accused was talking in a loud voice to his Security Guard telling him that Lord Valmiki Ji was a dacoit and a thief. 

He (the complainant) further stated that since he was standing nearby and he belongs to the Valmiki community, his sentiments were hurt. Pursuant to this, an FIR was registered against the accused.

Now, seeking bail in the case, he moved the court by stating that he was falsely implicated in the present case and that there was a violation of Section 41A of the Cr.P.C. It was also submitted that on the bare reading of the FIR, no offence under Section 295-A IPC was made out. 

On the other hand, the State counsel did not dispute the factual position but contended that the serious nature of the allegations did not entitle the petitioner to the grant of regular bail.

Against this backdrop, without commenting on the merits of the case, the bail plea was allowed and the petitioner-Krishan Dev Dubey was ordered to be released on bail subject to his furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of learned CJM/Duty Magistrate concerned.

Case title - KRISHAN DEV DUBEY vs. STATE OF PUNJAB [CRM-M-6514-2023]

Case Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (PH) 29

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