Ram Navami Hate Speech Case: Gujarat Court Grants Bail To Kajal Hindustani

A Court in Gujarat's Gir Somnath District on Thursday granted bail to right-wing activist Kajal Hindusthani days after she was arrested by the Gujarat Police (following her surrender) in connection with a Hate Speech case. Her speech on the occasion of Ram Navami allegedly caused a communal clash in Una on April 1.

Additional sessions judge R M Asodiya ordered her release on a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and on the further condition that she would appear before the police twice a month and would not leave India, surrender her passport, etc.

After her arrest, she was produced before a court in Una which sent her to 14-day judicial custody as the Gujarat Police did not seek her police remand.

Gujarat Police lodged an FIR on April 2 naming her under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 295 A (deliberate or malicious act intending to outrage religious feelings).

She has been accused of delivering a provocative speech targeting the people of the Muslim Community speech in a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Una on March 20 which was witnessed by local BJP MLA KC Rathod.

Following the event, a communal clash took place in the city, and allegedly stone pelting at various places also took place.

The FIR lodged against her alleges that Kajal hurt the religious sentiments of women and men of the Muslim society and that her speech was delivered with the purpose of spreading intentional agitation between the Hindu and Muslim people.

Kajal, who is known for her fiery speeches, identifies herself as an entrepreneur, research analyst, debater, social activist, and nationalist.