Aligarh Muslim University Professor granted anticipatory bail by Allahabad HC in Hinduism remarks case

Professor booked for 'hurting religious sentiments'

An Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) professor has been granted anticipatory bail by the Allahabad High Court in a case related to alleged derogatory remarks on Hinduism. Professor Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi was booked under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on a First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Kotwali police station in Aligarh on 21st January 2023.

Allegations against the professor

According to the FIR, Professor Rezavi allegedly made certain remarks during a lecture on Hindu mythology in his class on 19th January 2023 that were deemed offensive to the Hindu community. The complaint was filed by a right-wing activist, who alleged that the professor's remarks had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

Professor's defense

Professor Rezavi has denied the allegations, claiming that his remarks were taken out of context and that he had no intention of hurting anyone's religious sentiments. He has also stated that he was merely discussing the historical context of certain Hindu mythological stories and that his comments were not intended to be disrespectful.

Court's decision

The Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to Professor Rezavi on 24th January 2023, observing that the professor had a right to freedom of speech and expression and that there was no prima facie case against him. The court also noted that the professor had no criminal antecedents and was not likely to abscond during the trial.

Reaction to the court's decision

The court's decision has been welcomed by academicians and civil liberties activists, who have argued that the FIR against Professor Rezavi was an attempt to stifle academic freedom and freedom of expression. However, some right-wing groups have criticized the decision, claiming that it sends the wrong message and that it could embolden others to make derogatory remarks about Hinduism.

Conclusion

The case of Professor Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi is a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and expression in a democratic society. It is also a reminder that academic freedom is essential for the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of society. The court's decision to grant anticipatory bail to Professor Rezavi is a positive step towards protecting these fundamental rights.