Gyanvapi row: Court grants bail to DU professor arrested for derogatory post

Lal was presented before Tis Hazari Court on Saturday afternoon

A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to Delhi University professor Ratan Lal, arrested a day ago, for an alleged defamatory post on social media on 'Shivling' claimed to have been found at Gyapvapi mosque, Varanasi.

The professor submitted before the court he had simply made "a light-hearted comment" on Facebook and "he himself is a follower of Hindu religion and does not seek to create any animosity between different religious groups".

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Siddharth Malik said, "it is true that the accused did an act which was avoidable considering the sensibilities of the public at large. However, the post, though reprehensible, does not indicate an attempt to promote hatred between communities".

Also Read | DU professor arrested over post on 'Shivling' at Gyanvapi Mosque

The judge said he himself a "proud follower of Hindu religion" and would call the post "distasteful and unnecessary". For another, it may appear to be shameful but not incite feelings of hatred while some others may feel sorry for the accused of the unwanted comment without considering the repercussions.

The court further said the post by the accused, a history professor, is speculative in nature with regard to a structure/symbol that as of now is not accessible in the public domain.

"The post may appear to be a failed attempt of satire on a controversial subject which has backfired, resulting in the present FIR," it said.

The case against Ratan Lal was lodged at police station Cyber north on a complaint filed by advocate Vineet Jindal.

The court also said Indian civilisation is one of the oldest and the presence or absence of intention to create animosity or hatred may be subjective in nature.

"India is a country of 130 crores people and any subject can have 130 crores different views and perception. The feeling of hurt by an individual may not represent the entire group or community and complaint has to be seen in the entire spectrum of facts and circumstances," it said.

The court pointed out that the anxiety of the police in arresting the accused could be understood as it is tasked to maintain peace and order and have to come into action at the slightest hint of unrest.

However, there is no need to send the accused to judicial custody as he is a person of good repute with no criminal antecedent and there is no likelihood of him fleeing the course of law, it added.