Merely expressing support for Pak without naming India not an offence: HC

The Allahabad high court has observed that merely expressing support for Pakistan without referencing any specific incident or mentioning India by name does not prima facie constitute an offence under Section 152 (act endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

- HT Correspondent

Allowing the bail application of one Riyaz, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal on Thursday observed, “Considering the submissions of learned counsel for the parties and perusal of record, it is not in dispute that while posting the aforesaid post through Instagram ID, the applicant has not mentioned anything which shows disrespect towards our country.

Merely showing support to Pakistan without referring to any incident or mentioning the name of India, will not prima facie attract the offence under Section 152 BNS.”

The applicant's counsel submitted that the social media post by the applicant did not lower the dignity and sovereignty of the country, as neither the Indian flag nor its name or any photo was posted which showed any disrespect to the country.