Expressing shock over Madhya Pradesh Government's decision to oppose anticipatory bail granted to a Principal in relation to an FIR being lodged in for an alleged 'Hinduphobic' Book found in the college library.
The Bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud snubbed the State as to how it is finding time to oppose such matter and advised it devote time to something rather serious.
State must do some more serious stuff. He is a College Principal. Why you are arresting him? A book is found in the library which is said to have some communal undertones. Therefore he is sought to be arrested?. The book was purchased in 2014. And he is sought to be arrested? Are you serious?", the Bench asked the State Counsel.
To this, the Counsel stated that the Principal was allegedly teaching from the said book which is in contrast to his defense taken wherein he denied knowing the existence of the book. He had submitted that the Book was published and purchased in 2014 and at that time, he was not the Principal but only a professor.
The CJI thus said that if the State desire to proceed with challenging the order, it so can.
The FIR in question was lodged by an LL.M. student with referrence to a book titled 'Collective Violence And Criminal Justice System' authored by Dr. Farhat Khan, who has been made a co-accused as well. It was his contention that the book was based upon false and baseless facts, was anti-national in nature, and intended to harm the public peace, integrity, and religious cordiality of India.
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