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During the hearing of a bail plea moved by an accused in a mob violence case, the counsel of the informant and the accused informed the Allahabad High Court that both the parties are willing to organize a week-long cool water/sherbet distribution event at a public place in May-June 2022.

When the bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot observed as to how the ethos of the State of Uttar Pradesh brings out the catholicity of Indian philosophy and how Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb is imbibed in its cultural fabric, the counsel of both the parties assured the court that the applicant's side and the informant's side respectively are worthy inheritors of this priceless heritage and will never cede this legacy.

In furtherance of the same, they prayed before the court to permit both the parties to take measures to restore the traditional harmony, peace and faith of the area.

They proposed that respective parties would serve cool Sherbet and water to passersby and thirsty travelers for one week at a public place in District Hapur at a date and time of their choosing in May-June 2022. Nawab's counsel also volunteered to be present at the event, since he belongs to that area.

To this proposal, Justice Bhanot noted, "The calling of law is a summons to public service. It is reassuring that notables of the legal profession are conscious of their public duties to promote constitutional values. Selfless service and refined dialogue will strengthen the resolve of the society to shun hate and violence."

Accordingly, he allowed the parties to make an application to the Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate of Hapur in this regard and directed the local police and administration to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made so that the activity can continue in peace and without any impediment and creates the intended goodwill and amity.

In the aftermath of the State Assembly Election results in March, an altercation between political rivals had suddenly escalated into a violent brawl in the Hapur district of the State, which had resulted in mob violence. Thereafter, a case was registered and the instant bail applicant, namely Nawab was arrested.

Regarding Nawab's bail plea, Court noted that the prosecution counsel could not satisfactorily dispute the submission of Nawab's counsel that he was not the principal offender in the case and only a general and vague role had been assigned to him.

Therefore, Court granted Nawab bail and imposed a bail condition that he shall participate in the cool water and Sherbet distribution event.

Case Title: Nawab v. State of U.P.