Shivani Pandey-
Published on August 04, 2021 at 11:04 AM
The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail to an activist who allegedly delivered an objectionable speech against the Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar.
The farmer-activist for Jind, Dalbir Singh had filed 2 petitions seeking regular bail in the 2 FIRs under Sections 124-A, 153-A, 294, 504, 500, 506, 505 (1) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and under Sections 294, 504, 500, 506 and 505(1) IPC.
It was alleged that Dalbir had delivered objectionable speeches against Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar which could have resulted in caste-based division and were a threat to the harmony of the society.
Singh was arrested days after the second FIR was registered. The petitioner stated that he was only exercising his fundamental right to protest and that the Petitioner had a right to criticize the functioning of the State.
Having studied the nature of contents of the speeches, the Court noted that it would be the subject matter of trial as to whether it was a lawful protest against the policies and working of the Government or it had a different goal and intention.
Subsequently, the Court granted bail to the petitioner subject to furnishing surety/bail bonds to the tune of Rs. 2 Lakhs each, in both the FIRs before the Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned.
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