Assam Professor Accused of Obscene, Anti-India Posts Gets Interim Bail; Supreme Court Cites Ongoing Trial

The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered his release, noting that the trial was yet to begin and would take time to conclude.

While granting bail, the Bench made clear that Abedin’s suspension from the college would continue.

The Court noted that aside from the social media case, he was “purportedly named” in two other matters alleging molestation of girl students at the workplace. The Bench recorded that the prosecution still had to examine four witnesses and that the proceedings were unlikely to finish soon.

“Taking into consideration all such factors, let him be released on bail, subject to furnishing bail bonds,” the CJI said, directing that Abedin must remain present before the trial court for every hearing.

The Bench also cautioned that the bail order should not be interpreted as a ground for his reinstatement at the college. “It is highly advisable that he is not, since there are allegations of acts against girl students,” the Court added.

Abedin was arrested earlier this year following complaints that his social media posts were derogatory, obscene and anti-national. The trial court had denied bail, leading him to approach the Supreme Court.

“You are in the habit of harassing women on social media and making obscene remarks. You are a perverted man and a threat to young girls in college. What kind of professor are you? You are a shame to the word ‘professor’. You should not be allowed to enter the college,” the Bench had remarked after perusing his social media posts.

Abedin was arrested on May 16 for allegedly making anti-India posts and obscene comments. While his counsel argued that he had apologised, deleted the post and lost his job, the Court had noted that the charge sheet had been filed but the trial was stalled for nearly six months due to the absence of a judicial officer at the Gossaigaon court.

The Assam government opposed bail, calling him a habitual offender who repeatedly uploaded offensive content. The bench said the posts reflected a “dirty mind” and posed a wider threat to society.

The Court had asked the state to clarify the status of the vacant judicial post and requested the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to either appoint a judicial officer to Gossaigaon or transfer the case to the Kokrajhar sessions court.

Abedin, a resident of Gossaigaon, was initially detained and later arrested for the contentious posts made in May.