The Kerala High Court has rejected BJP leader PC George’s plea for anticipatory bail in a hate speech case, citing concerns over his repeated violations of bail conditions. The court’s decision follows George’s controversial statements against Muslims during a TV debate.
Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, who presided over the case, emphasized the need for stringent measures to curb hate speech, highlighting that such statements pose a threat to India’s secular fabric. The judge has previously called for amendments in criminal law to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders.
The case against George was initiated after a complaint by the Muslim Youth League Municipal Committee, leading to the registration of an FIR under Sections 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity on religious, racial, or linguistic grounds) and 299 (malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), along with Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act.
Earlier, the Kottayam Sessions Court had dismissed George’s anticipatory bail plea, prompting him to approach the High Court. During hearings, the court took serious note of George’s repeated non-compliance with previous bail conditions that prohibited him from making inflammatory remarks.
Senior counsel P Vijayabhanu, representing George, argued that his client’s remarks were made in the heat of the moment and that he had issued an immediate apology. However, Advocate S Rajeev, representing complainant Muhammed Shihab, along with senior government pleader P Narayanan, strongly opposed the plea, arguing that George was a habitual offender who had repeatedly defied court orders.
The court’s decision aligns with its previous stance against hate speech, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in upholding communal harmony. The ruling also underscores the judiciary’s insistence on stricter legal repercussions for individuals who make repeated provocative statements despite legal warnings.
With the High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail, PC George now faces arrest in connection with the case.