A man accused of shouting “Pakistan zindabad” has been recently granted bail by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, but with an unusual set of conditions.
Faizal, the defendant, is required to salute the national flag at a local police station 21 times and chant “Bharat Mata ki Jai” twice a month until his trial concludes.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Paliwal, while granting bail, stipulated that Faizal must report to Misrod Police Station in Bhopal on the first and fourth Tuesday of each month. His bail conditions involve standing before the displayed tricolor at the station, saluting it 21 times, and incorporating the slogan “Bharat Mata ki Jai” into his routine.
“I am of the view that the applicant [Faizal] may be released on bail by imposing some conditions that may instill in him a sense of responsibility and pride for the country in which he is born and living,” Justice Paliwal stated in his order.
The state government’s counsel opposed the bail, characterizing Faizal as a “habitual offender” with 14 prior criminal cases against him. The counsel argued that Faizal had attempted to incite communal discord by shouting slogans that undermine national integrity.
“He is openly shouting slogans against the country where he was born and raised. If he is not happy or satisfied here, he may choose to live in the country he hailed in his slogans,” the counsel asserted.
Faizal’s arrest occurred in May, following the circulation of a video that depicted him chanting both pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans. Under the bail conditions, he is required to appear at the police station between 10 AM & 12 PM on the specified days.
The court’s decision to grant bail with specific patriotic requirements reflects a nuanced approach to balancing individual rights with national sentiment. It raises questions about how legal systems can influence civic responsibility, especially in cases involving alleged sedition.
The case continues to garner attention, highlighting the complexities of free speech in a nation where national pride and communal tensions can lead to volatile situations.
As the trial unfolds, the conditions of Faizal’s bail will likely remain a focal point in discussions around patriotism and civil liberties in India.
