Punjab & Haryana High Court Suspends Delhi AAP MLA Naresh Yadav's Sentence In Quran Sacrilege Case

The Punjab & Haryana High Court today suspended the sentence of Delhi MLA from Aam Admi Party Naresh Yadav in 2016 Quran desecration case.

Yadav along with two others were sentenced by Punjab's Marlerkotla Appellate Court a week ago, to two years rigorous imprisonment for outraging feelings of a particular community under Sections 295-A, 153-A read with Section 120-B IPC.

Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu considered the contention that, both the appeals against acquittal preferred by the de facto complainant as well as the State were sought to be withdrawn, but despite that, the Appellate Court proceeded with the matter; set aside the acquittal; and ultimately convicted Yadav without even realizing that appellant were not willing to pursue the appeals.

"In view of the above, prima facie, the approach of learned Appellate Court seems to be not only unusual; rather untenable in law," observed the judge.

Consequently, the Court allowed Yadav's plea for suspension of sentence and directed to release him on bail on his furnishing adequate bail bonds/surety.

In 2016, allegedly torn pages of the holy Quran were found on roads of Punjab's Malerkotla, triggering unrest and violence in the town.

According to prosecution Yadav was abettor and a co- conspirator with other accused persons.

Mr. Vikram Chaudhri, Senior Advocate, with Ms. Hargun Sandhu, Advocate for the petitioner.

Title: NARESH YADAV V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER

Click here to read/download the order