The Gauhati High Court granted bail to an accused, who had been in custody since May 1, 2025, for allegedly posting “I love Pakistan” on Instagram during a time of heightened national sensitivity following a terrorist attack from across the border.
The accused was booked under Sections 152, 196(1), 197(1), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in connection with Manikpur P.S. Case No. 53/2025, which is pending before the Sessions Judge, Bongaigaon.
While the prosecution opposed bail citing national security concerns and the potential for the accused to engage in further anti-national activities, Justice Kalyan Rai Surana noted that the accused had already spent over 70 days in custody, and found that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary.
The Court accordingly granted bail upon furnishing a bond of ₹40,000 with two solvent sureties, and imposed stringent conditions including monthly appearance before the Manikpur Police Station for a year, prohibition on tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses, and mandatory appearance before the trial court on all dates.
The Court cautioned that any breach of these conditions or reoffending would entitle the prosecution to seek cancellation of bail.
Appearances in the case:
Petitioner: Mr AA Dewan, MR A MAlek, MR HA Rashid
Respondent : PP, ASSAM,
