A 62-year-old man was denied bail by the Allahabad High Court for sharing a Facebook post saying “Pakistan Zindabad”. The court said his act disrespected India’s Constitution and supported terrorism.
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UTTAR PRADESH: The Allahabad High Court refused to grant bail to a 62-year-old man, Ansar Ahmad Siddique, who is accused of sharing a Facebook post that included the words “Pakistan Zindabad”. The Court took this matter seriously, saying it was against the unity and sovereignty of the country.
Justice Siddharth of the Allahabad High Court made strong observations while rejecting the bail plea. He said that the act of the accused was highly disrespectful to the Indian Constitution and was similar to challenging the nation’s freedom and authority.
The Court said-
“The applicant is a senior citizen and his age shows that he is born in independent India. His irresponsible and anti national conduct does not entitles him to seek protection of his right to liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.”
The judge added that every Indian citizen must respect the country’s values and protect its sovereignty and integrity.
The Court highlighted that offences like this are becoming more common in the country because the judiciary has shown too much tolerance in cases where people have an “anti-national bent of mind”. It further explained that such actions are not just wrong but harmful to the unity and integrity of the country.
Calling the Facebook post “anti-social and anti Indian”, the Court said it directly harmed the unity and integrity of India. Referring to Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution, the Court said every citizen must abide by the Constitution, respect the National Flag and the National Anthem, and must “uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.”
As per the prosecution, the man had shared a Facebook post that promoted religious extremism and praised Pakistan. The post also asked others to support people in Pakistan.
It allegedly said things like-
“Propagating Zihad, saying Pakistan Zindabad and appealing to his brothers to support Pakistani brothers”
-which the prosecution claimed was hurting India’s national sentiments.
During the hearing, the accused’s lawyer argued that he is an elderly person, 62 years old, and undergoing medical treatment. However, the government counsel strongly opposed the bail, saying the man’s actions were clearly against the national interest.
The counsel told the Court that the Facebook video was posted just after a terrorist attack in Srinagar, where 26 innocent people died.
The State lawyer stated-
“Video has been posted after Srinagar carnage of 26 innocent persons and therefore it clearly proves that the applicant supports the terrorists’ act also on religious grounds.”
After hearing both sides, the Court firmly rejected the bail plea. It also instructed the lower court to carry out the trial as quickly as possible to ensure justice is served without delay.
The judge finally said-
“Commission of such offences is becoming routine affair in this country because the courts are liberal and tolerant towards such acts of people with anti national bent of mind. It is not a fit case for enlarging the applicant on bail at this stage.”
Advocates Devesh Kumar Shukla and Dharmesh Kumar Shukla appeared on behalf of the accused during the proceedings.
CASE TITLE:
Ansar Ahmad Siddique vs State of UP.
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