The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to former MLA P.C. George in a case involving alleged hate speech against the Muslim community. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan directed that George shall not be arrested until the next hearing on February 17, 2025. The decision came during the hearing of Bail Application No. 1874/2025, filed after the Kottayam Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea on February 6.
Background of the Case
A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against George at the Erattupettah Police Station, Kottayam, under Section 196(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity between religious groups and Section 299 for deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Additionally, he was charged under Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act for causing public nuisance. The charges stem from remarks made during a televised debate where George allegedly labeled Muslims as “terrorists” and suggested they “migrate to Pakistan.”
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“He is a public figure; everyone listens to him. He must be careful while using words,” Justice Kunhikrishnan orally observed during the hearing.
George’s Defense and Apology
In his bail plea, George claimed his comments were a “slip of the tongue” provoked by a co-panelist during the heated debate. He asserted that he publicly apologized via social media upon realizing his mistake, calling the FIR a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation. The plea emphasized his age (74) and lack of criminal antecedents as grounds for relief.
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The Kottayam Sessions Court had dismissed George’s anticipatory bail application, prompting him to approach the High Court. The prosecution argued that his remarks targeted an entire community, risking social harmony. However, the High Court’s interim order temporarily shields George from arrest, allowing further arguments to be heard on February 17.
Case Title: P.C. George v. State of Kerala
Case No.: Bail Appl. No. 1874/2025
