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Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, jailed over allegations of “insulting Hindu Gods and Goddesses” during a show, was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court, which also issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government.
The top court has also stayed the production warrant issued in a case by the Uttar Pradesh police.
A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman and BR Gavai observed that the Arnesh Kumar judgment “was not followed in the case”, while issued his interim bail notices.
Munawar Faruqui was denied bail thrice before. The Madhya Pradesh High Court refused to grant him bail on January 28.
Faruqui and four others were arrested on January 1 following a complaint by a BJP MLA’s son that alleged objectionable remarks about Hindu deities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were passed during a comedy show at a cafe in Indore on New Year’s day. One more person was arrested subsequently.
The high court, in its order passed on January 28, had refused to grant him bail noting that to “promote harmony” is one of the constitutional duties. It had also turned down the bail plea of another accused in the case.
