Court criticizes police for filing charges against Abu Asim Azmi without reviewing his interview video on Aurangzeb. Expressing surprise, the court questioned the lack of due diligence. Azmi granted bail with conditions. The case highlights concerns over hasty legal action.
The Sessions Court expressed astonishment that the police registered a case against Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi without even reviewing the video of his interview.
Additional Sessions Judge VG Raghuwanshi in an order granting anticipatory bail on March 11, with the detailed order released later.
He stated,
“I asked the investigating officer about the video of the interview. I was surprised to hear that the investigating officer does not have the video recording of the alleged interview till today and he registered the offence without seeing that interview,”
While granting bail, the court advised Azmi to be cautious in his public statements.
The court remarked,
“Any irresponsible statement can flare riots and create a law-and-order problem. I hope the applicant, being a senior politician, will understand his responsibility,”
Azmi faced charges from the Marine Drive police following his comments praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The court mandated that the MLA appear before the Marine Drive police for investigation on March 12, 13, and 15.
The controversy began on March 3 when Azmi referred to Aurangzeb as a “good administrator,” noting that during his reign, India’s borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma.
He added that while Aurangzeb destroyed temples, he also demolished mosques.
An FIR was lodged against Azmi in Thane after a complaint from MP Naresh Mhaske, who alleged that Azmi’s remarks hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, particularly by praising Aurangzeb, whom he accused of destroying Hindu temples and torturing Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Azmi’s anticipatory bail plea, filed by advocate Mubin Solkar, argued that he had never made derogatory comments about Sambhaji Maharaj or other Hindu rulers, claiming his statements were misrepresented by political adversaries for gain.
The prosecution opposed the bail, citing concerns that Azmi’s controversial comments could incite riots and disrupt public order.