The Allahabad High Court has granted anticipatory bail to two religious storytellers, Sant Singh Yadav and Mukat Singh Yadav, who were booked for allegedly insulting religious sentiments and cheating under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The duo had been booked under Section 299 (intent to insult religious beliefs) and Section 318(4) (cheating) of the BNS at the Bakewar Police Station in Etawah district. The charges arose in what their counsel claims is a retaliatory case, following a disturbing incident in which the two were reportedly assaulted for not belonging to the “upper caste.”
According to their lawyer, the two preachers were forcibly held captive, tonsured, and made to drink urine by a group of individuals who objected to their caste identity. An FIR was also filed against those accused of the assault.
“In counterblast to the FIR by the applicants, the instant prosecution has been instituted against the applicants,” their counsel argued before the court.
Justice Vivek Varma, in his order dated July 29, noted that the allegations do not appear to be substantiated at this stage. “Considering the nature of accusations … the alleged offences are not made out against the applicant at this stage,” the judge observed. He further added, “There is no substantive evidence to link the applicant with the offence; without commenting on merits of the case, I am of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be enlarged.”
The case has stirred discussion on caste-based discrimination and the use of criminal law in retaliatory complaints. The matter will continue to be investigated, but for now, both accused have been granted relief from arrest.
