Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Man Accused Of Abusing Lord Rama Considering His Unconditional Apology

A bench of Justice Sameer Jain granted him the relief while noting that the accused does not have any prior criminal record and has been in custody since January 28, 2024. The Court also considered that all alleged offenses against him carry a maximum punishment of three years.

The accused was booked under Sections 153-A, 295-A, 505(2) I.P.C. and Section 67 I.T. Act and arrested for allegedly abusing Lord Rama through his Facebook account.

He moved the High Court seeking bail on the grounds that he was innocent and never abused Lord Shri Ram. His counsel argued that someone else used his account to make the alleged post.

His further submission was that he is a law-abiding citizen of the country and has faith in the Hindu religion, although he is Muslim. When he learned that the alleged post had been made, he tendered an unconditional apology before the police station.

Lastly, it was contended on his behalf by his counsel that the secular fabric of this country is not so weak which can be disturbed by such type of fake messages.

On the other hand, though AGA opposed the prayer for bail, he could not dispute the fact that the applicant has no criminal history and has been in jail since January 28, 2024.

Considering his unconditional apology, the Court granted him bail on furnishing a personal bond and two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the court concerned.

Case title - Riyaz Alias Ovaisi vs. State of U.P. 2024 LiveLaw (AB) 240 [CRIMINAL MISC. BAIL APPLICATION No. - 12653 of 2024]

Case citation: 2024 LiveLaw (AB) 240

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