Mohammed Zubair gets bail in tweet case; Court says, ‘Hindu religion tolerant’

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair in connection with the 2018 tweet case, weeks after he was arrested. The bail has been granted on a personal bond and surety of ₹50,000. the fact-checker will not be able to leave the country without the permission of the court, the verdict said. The court, on Thursday, had reserved the order in the case for today.Also Read | Amid Zubair bail plea hearing, Delhi court asks: ‘How many offended by tweet?’

“The voice of dissent is necessary for healthy democracy. Therefore, merely for the criticism of any political parties it is not justified to invoke section 153A and 295A IPC,” the court observed.

"Hindu religion is one of the oldest religions and most tolerant. The followers of the Hindu religion are also tolerant. Hindu religion is so tolerant that its followers proudly names their institution/organisation/facilities in the name of their Holy God or Goddess. A large number of Hindus proudly name thei children in the name of their Holy God and Goddess," the court observed.

On Thursday, Zubair moved the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the six FIRs lodged against him in several districts of Uttar Pradesh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, and also sought interim bail in all the cases.