'Such People Must Not Be Spared': Madhya Pradesh High Court Reserves Orders On Munawar Faruqui's Bail Plea

The Madhya Pradesh High Court(Indore Bench) on Monday reserved orders on the bail application of comedian Munawar Faruqui, who was arrested by Indore police on January 2 in a case for alleged hurting of religious sentiments.

"But why you take undue advantage of other's religious sentiments and emotions. What is wrong with your mindset? How can you do this for the purpose of your business?", a single bench of Justice Rohit Arya observed at the outset.

The bench, expressing disinclination to entertain the application, asked Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha (appearing for Faruqui), if he wanted to withdraw the bail application.

"He has committed no offence in the matter your lordships. Bail should be granted", Tankha submitted.

Few intervenors, opposing the bail application, told the bench that the comedian has made highly objectionable statements against Hindu gods and deities.

"The accused Munawar Faruqui has posted several previous video which was circulated on social media.These remarks were made 18 months ago. He repeated the same remarks on three different occasions i.e. comedy shows. This has led to other comedians making such remarks about Hindu Gods. This is happening with 70% of the comedians", one lawyer submitted.

When the bench asked if there are other lawyers opposing the bail plea, another lawyer alleged that Faruqui made other objectionable statements against Lord Ram and Sita.

"Such people must not be spared. I will reserve the order on merits", Justice Rohit Arya said.

The judge asked other counsels objecting to the bail application to file their concerned documents and supported evidences.

The court also reserved orders on the bail application of Nalin Yadav, a co-accused arrested as a co-performer of Faruqui.

Last week, the HC had adjourned the bail hearing as police didn't produce the case diary.

On January 5, a Sessions Court in Indore had dismissed the bail applications of the accused.

Faruqui, a resident of Gujarat, was arrested on January 2 along with four others for allegedly making indecent remarks against Hindu deities and against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a show held at a cafe in 56 Dukan area of Indore on January 1.

The complaint was filed against them by Eklavya Singh Gaur (36), son of local BJP legislator Malini Laxman Singh Gaur.

The other arrested persons were identified as Edwin Anthony, Prakhar Vyas and Priyam Vyas.

Police had booked five accused under sections 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), section 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).