MP HC Denies Bail To Man Accused Of Posting Letters Containing Derogatory & Abusive Words Against Jain Munis

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur Bench has recently denied bail to a man who was accused of posting letters that contained derogatory words against the Jain Munis.

The applicant was under custody since December 18, 2022, in connection with the offences punishable under Sections 294-A, 500(1), 295-A, 500, 501, and 502 (2) of the IPC.

A Single Bench of Justice Nandita Dubey ordered, “Without adverting into the merits of the case, at this stage, when the investigation is still pending, I do not find present to be a fit case for grant of bail. The bail application is dismissed. However, the applicant is at liberty to renew his prayer after the charge sheet is filed.”

Senior Advocate Mrigendra Singh appeared on behalf of the applicant while Government Advocate Amit Sharma appeared for the respondent.

In this case, the applicant posted, typed, undated and unsigned letters against Jain Munis and sages wherein derogatory and abusive language was used which hurt the sentiments of the Jain community. The counsel for the applicant submitted that no derogatory language was used against the Jain religion which may hurt the sentiments of the said community and that in these letters allegations were made against the individuals, however, these individuals did not file any case for defamation.

It was further submitted before the Court that the applicant was not aware as to what was written in the letters. On the other hand, the counsel for the respondent opposed the bail application by submitting that the applicant was arrested after he was caught in CCTV footage, and from him, the letters which he was going to post were also seized. It was further pointed out that the applicant was paid Rs. 40,000/- every time he posted the letters, and the same was verified from his account statement.

The High Court after considering the above contentions of the counsels observed that it is not a fit case to grant bail.

Accordingly, the Court dismissed the bail plea.

Cause Title- Surendra Kumar Jain v. The State of Madhya Pradesh

Click here to read/download the Order