Shivani Thakur
Published on: May 21, 2022 at 16:44 IST
A Kerala Court denied Anticipatory Bail to former Member of Legislative Assembly PC George in the second case registered against him for making communal remarks.
In a span of ten days, PC George had two cases registered against him for delivering speeches on communal lines.
In his speech, he talked about Muslim community in a purportedly derogatory manner, including by alluding to “love jihad”.
He has been charged under Section 153A and 259A of the Indian Penal Code.
He than approach Session Court seeking Anticipatory Bail under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Advocate Geo Paul, appearing for George, argued that “The speech was not per–se inflammatory, at least with regard to its intention, it was only his fair opinion on social dynamics in the State”.
The Judge pointed out that George, in his speech, had warned members of other communities to be wary of the rise in the population of Muslims in Kerala.
The Public Prosecutor argued that George violated the condition set by the Magistrate while granting him Bail in a previous case, to not include any controversial topics in his public addresses.
“He contended that it is clearly George’s intention to disrupt communal harmony in the State’’.
After hearing both sides at length, the Court reserved its verdict.