PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court has rejected the bail plea of a 62-year-old man accused of posting a “Pakistan Zindabad” video on Facebook, stating that leniency towards such acts is leading to their increased frequency.
Justice Siddharth, delivering the order on Thursday, observed, “The commission of such offences is becoming routine because the courts have been liberal and tolerant towards individuals with an anti-national mindset. This is not a fit case for granting bail at this stage.”
The accused, Ansar Ahmad Siddique, has been charged under Sections 197 (acts prejudicial to national integration) and 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following an FIR registered in Bulandshahr district.
The court described Siddique’s conduct as “disrespectful to the Constitution and its ideals,” asserting that his actions amounted to a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty. “Such irresponsible and anti-national behaviour cannot be shielded under the right to liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution,” the bench ruled.
Siddique’s counsel argued that the video was shared on May 3, and pleaded for bail on the grounds of his age and deteriorating health. However, the state opposed the plea, stating that the post appeared shortly after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—indicating, in the state’s view, an expression of support for terrorism on religious grounds.
The court reiterated that every citizen is duty-bound to respect the Constitution and protect the nation’s sovereignty and unity. Dismissing the bail application, the judge also directed the trial court to conclude proceedings expeditiously.
