Judiciary's tolerance of anti-national acts fuelling their rise: Allahabad HC

PRAYAGRAJ: Allahabad HC has refused bail to a 62-year-old man accused of sharing a "Pakistan Zindabad" post on Facebook, saying the judiciary's tolerance of anti-national acts is contributing to their rise.

"Commission of such offences is becoming a routine affair... because the courts are liberal and tolerant towards such acts of people with an anti-national bent of mind," Justice Siddharth said Thursday. "It is not a fit case for enlarging the applicant on bail at this stage."

HC held that Ansar Ahmad Siddique's act was "disrespectful to the Constitution and its ideals" and amounted to challenging the country's sovereignty. "His irresponsible and anti-national conduct does not entitle him to seek protection of his right to liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution," the court said.

Siddique faces charges under sections 197 (acts undermining national integration ) and 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity) of BNS, based on an FIR filed in Bulandshahar.

The applicant's counsel said Siddique had shared the controversial video on May 3. He cited his age and medical condition. The state opposed bail, contending the video was posted after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, proving Siddique supported terrorism on religious grounds.

Court emphasised that every citizen has a duty to respect the Constitution and uphold the country's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Rejecting bail plea, it directed that trial be concluded expeditiously.