Allahabad HC Grants Bail To Man Jailed For His Video Abusing CM Yogi Adityanath

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Synopsis

Last year, a video was circulating on WhatsApp in which accused Sujeet Sharma could be seen making objectionable comments about the Chief Minister.

The Allahabad High Court recently granted bail to a man who was arrested after his video abusing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was circulated on WhatsApp. 

The bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot granted bail to Sujeet Sharma in the case lodged under Sections 504, 506, 386 IPC, Section 66 Information Technology Act and Section 3/25 Arms Act.

Sharma was in jail since October 21, 2022. The trial court rejected Sharma's bail application in December last year. Thereafter, Sharma moved the high court seeking relief. 

Sharma's counsel Advocate Shamasul Eslam assisted by Advocate Ashwani Kumar submitted before the single judge bench that Sharma may have blurted out some objectionable words under the influence of liquor but it was offered to him by the co-accused persons. 

They submitted that Sharma holds constitutional dignitaries in the highest regard and he did not have any intention of insulting high constitutional dignitaries. 

The counsel alleged that the said video was captured and circulated without the knowledge and consent of Sharma.  

Further, stressing that Sharma had no criminal history apart from the instant case, his counsel pressed for his bail assuring the court that he is not a flight risk.

He being a law-abiding citizen has always cooperated with the investigation and undertakes to cooperate with the court proceedings, Sharma's counsel submitted before the court. 

Court took the submissions into consideration and opined that a case for bail was made out. Accordingly, the single judge bench ordered Sharma to be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond and two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the court below.

Case Title: Sujeet Sharma v State of UP