The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant bail to a 62-year-old man accused of sharing a pro-Pakistan post on Facebook. The Court emphasized that anti-national acts are becoming increasingly common due to a lenient and tolerant judicial approach toward such behavior.
The bail plea was filed by Ansar Ahmad Siddique, who was booked under Sections 197 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He allegedly shared a post promoting Zihad, praising Pakistan Zindabad, and urging support for Pakistani citizens—actions that the prosecution argued were not only harmful to national sentiments but also directly opposed India's sovereignty and unity. The post was reportedly shared shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, which heightened the seriousness of the matter.
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The accused’s counsel argued that Siddique had merely shared a video on May 3, 2025, and highlighted that he is an elderly man undergoing medical treatment. On these grounds, the defense requested bail.
However, the bench of Justice Siddharth viewed the matter with gravity and cited Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution, which mandates every citizen to respect the Constitution, national symbols, and uphold the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
"Clearly the act of the applicant is disrespectful to the Constitution and its ideals and also his act amounts to challenging the sovereignty of India and adversely affecting unity and integrity to India by sharing anti social and anti Indian post.”
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Justice Siddharth noted that despite being a senior citizen born in independent India, Siddique’s behavior showed a lack of responsibility towards the nation. His conduct, the Court said, did not merit the protection offered under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Constitution.
"Commission of such offences is becoming routine affair in this country because the courts are liberal and tolerant towards such acts of people with anti national bent of mind."
The Court made it clear that the accused’s age or medical condition could not be used to excuse such a serious violation of national dignity and unity. The bail application was accordingly rejected.
