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News Desk: “Umar Khalid’s speech is provocative” the Delhi High Court said in a hearing on Friday on the bail plea of former student leader of JNU and Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid. The division bench made it clear that the court is not against freedom of speech. But the way Khalid spoke is not acceptable.
The judges said “Don’t you think that what you said was offensive? You also said your forefathers enslaved the British. You’ve been seen talking like this in five places. As if a community fought for India’s independence”.
They further said “Don’t you think that your words incited religious groups? Did Gandhiji speak in this language? Did Shahid Bhagat Singh speak in such a way? Even against the English? Did Gandhiji speak to us in such a way?”
Khalid’s lawyer Tridip Pais countered “It is clear from the way Khalid has been charged under the UAPA section that it has become much easier to file such a complaint these days. Chargesheets are being made as soon as some people make statements”.
On the same day, the court clarified that the police would have to give a brief reply within the next three working days. The judges have no intention of prolonging the bail plea for long. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for April 27.