The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Nadeem Ansari, who was accused of causing tension by releasing a video depicting the beheading of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Nupur Sharma.
Justice Deepak Verma granted the defendant bail, taking into account the facts and circumstances of the case and the broader powers under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In his Judgement Justice Deepak Verma said “”The Court is of the view that the applicant has made out a case for bail. The bail application is allowed”
Ansari was arrested in June 2022 on charges of violating the Information Technology Act by making statements that fostered animosity between different groups, inflamed religious sentiment, and contributed to public mischief.
He applied for bail in the High Court, arguing that he was innocent, was wrongfully involved in the case, and had no evidence of a crime.
He sought bail from the High Court claiming that he was innocent and had been falsely implicated in the case, and that there was no evidence of the alleged crime.
It was also stated that even if released on bail, he would not abuse his freedom and would cooperate with the proceedings.
While granting the bail Judge Verma relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Satender Kumar Antil v Central Bureau of Investigation wherein the larger mandate of Article 21 of the Constitution was laid down and granted Ansari bail without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
Ansari was ordered released on bail after posting a personal bond and two guarantors. Additionally, the court ordered Ansari to refrain from falsifying evidence, coercing witnesses, and engaging in criminal activity.
