[Communal Sloganeering] "We are not a Taliban Ruled State": Delhi Court rejects Pinky Chaudhary's plea seeking pre-arrest protection

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A Delhi Court has rejected the Anticipatory bail plea of Pinky Chaudhary, President of Hindu Raksha Dal, accused of communal sloganeering at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

"We are not a Taliban Ruled state. Rule of Law is the sacrosanct governing principle in our plural and multicultural society. While the whole of India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, there are some minds still chained with intolerant and self centric beliefs"
- ASJ Anil Anil, Patiala House Courts New Delhi

Court made some notable observations wrt Freedom of Speech and Expression as envisaged under Article 19(1)(a), stating that though it is the most cherished natural right enshrined in the Constitution, it is NOT an unfettered right.

"Nor can it be extended to transgress upon the fundamental right of other people, nor can it be expanded to the acts prejudicial to the maintenance of peace, harmony and public order," Court said while defining the limits of the fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen.

Court added that since the Applicant, Pinky Chaudhary alias Bhupinder Tomar is the president of Hindu Rashtra Dal, his influence and stature may hamper the investigation which is still at a nascent stage, if the applicant is granted relief.

The Court, while rejecting the plea has said that it is evident from the video in question played before court during the proceedings and the transcript submitted that the same is impregnated with high ocatane communal bars and laced with inflammatory, insulting and threatening gestures.

"Ex-facie is indicative of calculative design on the part of the applicant to promote hatred and ill will amongst the other section of the community," the Court said.

Case Title: State Vs. Bhupinder Tomar