Allahabad High Court Grants Bail to Javed in WhatsApp Video Case
Court Rules Uploaded Content Does Not Violate Section 152 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Javed, the applicant in a case involving the alleged uploading of a controversial video on WhatsApp status. The video reportedly contained derogatory content about the leaders of India and Pakistan. Javed was charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, but the court found that the video did not attract the ingredients of this section.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal presided over the case, with Hemant Kumar and Satyendra Kumar Tripathi representing the applicant, and the State represented by the Government Advocate. The bail application was filed in connection with Case Crime No. 220 of 2025, registered at Police Station Jani, District Meerut.
The controversy arose after Javed uploaded a video featuring the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, with a film audio background suggesting dissatisfaction among the public of both nations and a call for war to distract the populace for five years. Despite the serious allegations, the court opined that the video content did not fulfill the criteria under Section 152 BNS, emphasizing the absence of criminal history and the applicant's cooperation during the trial process.
The court ordered Javed's release on bail upon furnishing a personal bond and two sureties to the satisfaction of the court. The bail conditions stipulated that Javed must not engage in any criminal activities or upload objectionable content on social media. Additionally, he is required to cooperate with the trial proceedings and avoid influencing witnesses.
This decision underscores the judiciary's careful consideration of the balance between maintaining public order and ensuring individual rights are not unjustly curtailed.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted in a case where the accused was charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for uploading a video on WhatsApp status, as the court found that the alleged act did not attract the ingredients of the section.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 152
Javed v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2794853
