Delhi Court Grants Interim Protection From Coercive Action To Vinod Dua In A Case Filed Against His YouTube Show [Read Order]

Additional Sessions Judge Vineeta Goyal directed the Investigating Officer to not to take any coercive steps against Mr Dua till the next date of hearing.

The order has come in a plea moved by Senior Journalist Vinod Dua seeking anticipatory bail under section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The FIR against him alleges that he made remarks against political leaders during his YouTube show which can provoke breach of peace.

Claiming offences under sections 290 and 505 of the IPC, the FIR further alleges that Mr Dua did misreporting on the actions of the Central Government and his statements can likely cause ill will among different classes of society.

The counsel appearing for Mr Dua cited the recent Supreme Court judgement in Arnab Goswami v. Union of India to argue that the applicant has the fundamental right to free speech and expression.

In addition to this, the applicant had cited his old age and medical conditions to seek interim protection from arrest.

The Investigating Officer submitted that even though statements are still to be retrieved from YouTube, custodial interrogation of the applicant is not required at this stage.

While granting interim protection to Mr Dua, the court directed him to join the investigation and cooperate with the IO.

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