BJP leader P C George surrendered before a court in Erattupetta on Monday in connection with a hate speech case.
According to the police, “We have received information that George has appeared before the court.”
George’s surrender followed the Kerala High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea. With this decision, the police sought his custody for further investigation.
Earlier, on Saturday, George had requested the police for an extension until February 24 to appear for questioning. However, the High Court dismissed his petition, emphasizing that granting bail in such a case would send the wrong message to society.
The former MLA is accused of making a hate speech against a minority community during a TV channel discussion. The case was registered by the Erattupetta police based on a complaint from Muhamed Shihab, a Muslim Youth League leader. Shihab alleged that George’s remarks had the potential to incite religious hatred.
After the Kottayam District Sessions Court denied his anticipatory bail plea, George approached the High Court, but his request was also turned down. He now faces charges under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act for his alleged statements.
With his surrender, the legal proceedings are expected to move forward as authorities determine the next steps in the case.
The incident has sparked discussions on the implications of hate speech and legal accountability in public discourse.
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