Kerala Court Grants Bail To BJP Leader PC George In Hate Speech Case Citing Health Complications

Bail was granted by Erattupetta Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kottayam district.

A detailed order is awaited.

The allegation against PC George was that he made against the Muslim community, stating that they are terrorist and communalists. It was also alleged that PC George said that there is no Muslim living in India who is not a terrorist. It is also alleged that he made comments to promote hatred against the Muslim community and stated that they must migrate to Pakistan.

Crime was registered against him alleging commission of offences punishable under section 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion etc), and 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the BNS, Section 120 (o) (penalty for causing nuisance and violation of public order) Kerala Police Act.

His bail application was dismissed by Sessions Court Kottayam on February 06, subsequent to which he moved the High Court. 

His anticipatory bail application was dismissed by the High Court on February 21. His bail application was dismissed by Justice PV Kunhikrishnan on observing that the tendency of politicians to a make statements on religion and caste should be stopped. The Court further stated that a politician like PC George who has over 30 years of experience do not deserve to continue as a political leader if he gets provoked so easily. The Court rejected PC George's bail on finding that he has been repeatedly making communal statements against the Muslim community.

PC George then approached the Erattupetta Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court for bail. His bail application was rejected, and he was sent to 14 day custody.

However, he again approached the Magistrate Court, citing complications and irregularities in his ECG, and he was granted bail.