The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday dismissed the bail plea moved by comedian Munawar Faruqui. The stand-up comedian was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He has been lodged in Indore Central jail for the last 26 days. The comedian has failed to get relief from the high court.
Faruqui’s counsel, Senior advocate Vivek Tankha had contested the charge against his client under IPC section 295A (outraging religious feelings). He added that though his client was present on the spot at the show, he didn’t utter anything as alleged in the FIR. But the plea was dismissed by Justice Rohit Arya.
Faruqui and five others: Prakhar and Priyam Vyas, Nalin Yadav, Edwin Anthony and Sadaqat were arrested on January 2. They were arrested by the Tukoganj police in Indore for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The incident took place on the New Year Day evening comedy show. The said show was taking place at a popular café in Indore’s Chhappan Dukan area.
A case was registered against Faruqui and other under Sections 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings). Section 298 (deliberate intent to wound religious feelings). Also 269 (negligent act likely to spread disease), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant). Also for section 34 (common intention) of IPC.
The complaint was filed by Eklavya Singh Gaur, the head of right-wing Hindu outfit Hind Rakshak Sangathan. Eklavya Gaur is the son of the ex-Indore mayor and present BJP MLA Malini Gaur.