Is raising ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans anti-national? Himachal HC’s observation on case filed after Op Sindoor comes as surprise for accused

TNR News Network
Shimla: In a verdict that has drawn attention across the state, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted conditional bail to Suleman, a fruit vendor accused of posting “Pakistan Zindabad” on social media.

The court observed that praising another country without condemning India didn’t amount to sedition as such remarks did not incite separatism or destructive activities.

Justice Rakesh Kainthla noted that no charges had been proven against Suleman that indicated hatred or dissatisfaction towards India’s lawfully established government. The case dates back to May 27 when the Paonta Sahib police in Sirmaur district registered an FIR under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Suleman for uploading the slogan along with a picture of the Prime Minister.

The act, shared at a time of tense India-Pakistan relations and days after Operation Sindoor was launched, was viewed as anti-national, leading to his surrender before police on June 8.

The police seized his mobile phone, which was later sent to the SFSL lab in Junga for forensic analysis. A chargesheet was filed in the trial court on August 6, but his bail plea was rejected there, prompting him to approach the High Court.

Accused granted conditional bail

Suleman, an illiterate fruit seller originally from Abdulagarh in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, argued that his Facebook account was created by his son and that the complainant had access to his mobile phone. He makes a living selling fruits outside the complainant’s shop in Paonta Sahib.

Granting him bail, the High Court directed Suleman to furnish a bond of Rs 50,000 with a surety of the same amount. He has been ordered not to intimidate witnesses, tamper with evidence, or seek unnecessary adjournments.

He must remain present at every hearing, not leave his residence for more than seven days without permission and surrender his passport if he holds one. Additionally, Suleman is required to provide his mobile number and social media details to both the police and the court and comply with all summons or notices issued to him.