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The Patna High Court recently granted bail to a student (Jawed Akhtar) who was allegedly arrested on First Information Report for posting objectionable post about Hindu Gods on social media.

The petitioner in the present case wanted regular bail in connection with a case registered for the offences punishable under Section(s) 153(A), 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Sections 67 and 67(A) of Information Technology Act.

A Single Bench of Justice Anil Kumar Sinha granted bail and observed that the petitioner is a student (20 yrs old) and charge sheet has already been submitted in the matter as well as has no criminal antecedent. 

The Learned counsel for the petitioner informed the Bench that the petitioner did not commit any offence in the manner alleged and there was no intention of the petitioner to hurt the religious feelings of other community.

He further stated that from perusal of the First Information Report it would be evident that the petitioner has shared the post of one Reehan Khan and that post in question was not originated from the Facebook account of the petitioner.

The Counsel for the petitioner asserted that, “Section 294 Indian Penal Code, Sections 67 and 67(A) of I.T. Act are bailable offences and from perusal of the allegation against the petitioner, it appears that Section 153(A) is not attracted.”

Taking into account the factual matrix of the present case and the fact that he has remained in custody since 9.8.2020, the Bench granted him bail and ordered to be released on regular bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs.10,000/- (Ten thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of learned Chief Judicial Magistrate.

[Case Title -Jawed Akhtar v. State of Bihar ]