The Panaji court in Goa has denied anticipatory bail to former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar, who faces allegations of hurting religious sentiments.
The decision was made by Additional District and Sessions Judge Bosco Robert late Monday evening.
Velingkar has been charged by the Bicholim police due to his reportedly objectionable comments about St. Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint. His anticipatory bail plea was filed on Saturday after multiple individuals approached various police stations requesting his arrest.
The court’s ruling followed intervention petitions from 4 individuals, including AAP MLA Cruz Silva, Congress leaders Warren Alemao and Valanka Alemao, who opposed the granting of bail to Velingkar.
Velingkar’s legal representative argued that his client’s remarks were merely “suggestions” and claimed there was no intention to offend religious sentiments. The lawyer described the legal action against Velingkar as “not democracy but mobocracy.”
On the other hand, Advocate Amit Palekar, representing Cruz Silva, contended that Velingkar’s comments had indeed hurt religious feelings, triggering significant backlash from the community. Palekar noted that the police had issued 2 notices requiring Velingkar to appear before the investigating officer and emphasized that he should have cooperated with the authorities.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of speech and religious sentiments in Goa, as Velingkar’s remarks continue to spark controversy and public outcry.
