New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has declared that posting content in support of Pakistan on social media does not amount to treason.
The court made the observation while granting bail to Sajid Chaudhary, a resident of Meerut, who was arrested in May for posting “Proud of Kamran Bhatti, Pakistan Zindabad” on social media.
In its September 26 verdict, the court stated that while such posts may incite anger or discord, they do not fall under the provisions of treason.
Chaudhary had been charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to threats against India’s sovereignty, and had been in jail since May 13.
Sajid's lawyer argued in court that he did not write or make the post himself, but only forward, and he had no intention of spreading hatred or destroying the public.
The lawyer also said that Sajid has no criminal record and there is no danger from release on bail.
On the other hand, the government lawyer termed Sajid as "separatist" and said he had been involved in such activities.
The Allahabad High Court, after hearing the arguments of the parties, ordered the release of Sajid Chaudhry, a resident of Meerut, and dismissed the allegations of treason.
