'Derogatory' Remarks On Muslim Women: Haridwar Court Denies Bail To Yati Narsinghanand Noting 'Seriousness' Of Case

Derogatory remarks against Muslim women

In the case at hand, it has been alleged that Narsinghanand had made objectionable/derogatory and indecent comments on social media, that were directed towards Muslim women.

The case against him has been registered against him under Sections 295A and 509 of the Indian Penal Code alleging that in two of his videos, which were posted on Twitter and YouTube, he was seen making objectionable/derogatory remarks towards Muslim women.

Allegedly, he was seen as saying that the Muslims have captured everything, that they have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), that they have captured the RSS and for the service of Islam, their women can act as the mistresses of anyone and that they (women) are their greatest strength.

Pursuant to the registration of the FIR, he has been under Judicial Custody since January 16, 2022, and thereafter, he moved his bail plea before the Haridwar Court (the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar).

Contentions put forth

Filing his bail application, Narsinghanand submitted before the Court that he is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the matter and that no specific allegation has been leveled against him in the First Information Report.

It was also contended by him that FIR doesn't state as to what statement had been made against any community and whose sentiments were hurt by the alleged statements. Lastly, he argued that the FIR had been with a delay and there is no evidence on record against him and since he is seriously ill, therefore, he must be released on bail.

Court's order

CJM Mukesh Arya perused the documents and FIR filed by the prosecution, and thereafter observed thus:

"Despite being issued a Section 41A CrPC notice in the past, he (Narsinghanand) is repeatedly making comments to incite communal passions and spoiling religious harmony/atmosphere through social media and there is a strong possibility of serious crimes being committed in the area."

Further, noting that the offense allegedly committed by the accused is of serious nature, the CJM's court also observed that there is an allegation against him of making objectionable/derogatory remarks against Muslim women on social media, Twitter, and YouTube.

Against this backdrop, the Court rejected his bail application.

It may be noted that Narsinghanand is facing several FIRs in UP, for allegedly calling for a "war against Muslims" and urging the "Hindus to take up weapons". He had also delivered alleged 'Hate speeches' at the Haridwar Dharm Sansad that took place last month.

In related news, last week, an activist wrote to the Attorney General for India seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings against the 'Dharam Sansad' leader Yati Narsinghanand over his recent 'derogatory remarks' against the Constitution and the Supreme Court of India.

The Supreme Court has also issued a notice on a PIL seeking probe into the alleged hate speech by Narsinghanand, among others, at two separate events in Haridwar and Delhi on December 17 and 21, 2021.