The Allahabad High Court has refused bail to a journalist accused of extortion and inciting hatred against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Amit Maurya allegedly demanded money from the vice president of the Purvanchal Truck Owners Association and threatened to publish damaging articles about him. Additionally, he is accused of spreading hate speech against public figures, including Modi and Adityanath, and making derogatory comments about religious figures on social media platforms. An FIR was filed against him at the Lalpur Police Station in Varanasi.
Justice Manju Rani Chauhan, in rejecting the bail plea, remarked that abusing one’s media position for personal gain or coercion undermines the integrity of journalism. She emphasized that such actions betray the public’s trust in the media and subvert democratic principles.
In a judgment on March 13, the court condemned the use of personal attacks and abusive language against public figures, stating that they are contrary to civil discourse. While acknowledging the importance of dissent and criticism in democracy, the court stressed the need for respectful expression.
The court underscored the distinction between legitimate dissent and the propagation of hatred, warning that inflammatory language threatens social cohesion and erodes values of tolerance and diversity.
Upholding secular principles, the court stated that it is not just a constitutional duty but also a moral imperative essential for preserving India’s democratic ethos.
Regarding the accusations against the journalist, the court noted that he exploited his publication to coerce others while masquerading as a journalist.
