Not a case of no evidence: Madhya Pradesh High Court rejects bail plea of comedian Munawar Faruqui

The bail plea of Nalin Yadav, the co-accused in the case, has also been rejected.

Faruqui was arrested on Jan 1 just before he was about to start his show at a restaurant following the complaint filed by Hindu Rakshak Sangathan convener Eklavya Singh Gaud, who also happens to be the son of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Malini Singh Gaud.

The comedian has been in jail since Jan 2 along with four other co-accused.

Rejecting the bail plea, a single-bench of judge Rohit Arya said as quoted by The Hindustan Times, "In the light of statements of the complainant and the witnesses referred above, the seized articles via video footage of the show and the seizures memo detailed above, at this stage, it is difficult to countenance to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant as complacency of the applicant cannot be ruled out, besides vulnerability of his acts in public domain.

"It is no case of no evidence. More so, the investigation is in progress. The possibility of collection of more incriminating material and complacency of other persons cannot also be ruled out.

"Further, it has come on record that a similar nature offence has been registered against the applicant at a police station in Prayagraj, UP."

The order further said, "That apart, there is also specific assertion by the learned counsel for the complainant that the applicant along with other co-accused persons allegedly made filthy jokes in social media deliberately against Hindu Gods, Lord Shri Ram and Goddess Seeta, hurting religious sentiments of Hindus for the past 18 months, despite protest on various social media platforms. There is nothing contrary on record."

"Be that as it may, this court refrains from commenting upon contentions of the parties touching on merits but regard being had to material seized and the statements of witnesses and that the investigation is in progress, no case is made out for grant of bail. Both the cases stand dismissed," it added.