The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Welfare Party of India leader Javed Mohammad in a case related to Prayagraj violence that took place in June, 2022.
The Single-Judge Bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot granted bail to the accused on the grounds that the Counsel representing the State of Uttar Pradesh could not satisfactorily refute the arguments made by Mohammad’s lawyers.
The High Court ordered release of Mohammad on a personal bond and two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the court below.
Mohammad was accused of leading a mob that allegedly damaged public property and set police vehicles on fire.
He was booked under Sections 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 149, 153-A, 153-B, 295-A, 201, 511, 307, 332, 333, 353, 395, 435, 436, 427, 504, 505(2), 506, 120-B IPC, Section 4/5 of the Explosive Substance Act and Section 7 of Criminal Law Amendment Act, Section 83 of the Juvenile Justice Act, Section 3/4 of the Public Property Damages Act and Section 3 of the Explosive Substance Act.
Senior Counsel S.F.A. Naqvi, assisted by Syed Ahmed Faizan, appeared for Mohammad.
They argued that Javed was a law-abiding citizen, who held the unity of the country and amity between various communities very close to his heart.
It was also submitted that he neither posted nor shall post any messages, which could disrupt social harmony in the society. The Counsels further alleged that he had been made a scapegoat as he had opposed certain powerful politicians.
The lawyers further contended that there was no credible evidence to establish that the applicant instigated the mob or indulged in acts of violence.
They further argued that Mohammad could not be called a media influencer as he did not have a wide following, who would congregate at his call.
The Counsels assured the Court that in case granted bail, the accused would not influence any witnesses or tamper with the evidence.
Apart from this, four more cases were registered against Mohammad in connection with the Prayagraj violence incident. The lower court has already granted him bail in two cases.
Besides, the High Court had granted him bail in another case last month.
(Case title: Javed Mohammad @ Pump @ Javed Ahmad vs State of UP)