Punjab & Haryana High Court Grants Bail To Doctor Arrested For Mocking PM Modi And Home Minister Amit Shah

The Punjab & Haryana High Court granted bail to a doctor arrested for allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in an AI generated video after Operation Sindoor.Mushtaq Ahmed, an orthopedic by profession, was booked under Sections 152 (Acts endangering sovereignty unity and integrity of India), 197(1)(d) (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of BNS of 2023.Justice N.S. Shekhawat noted, "the petitioner was arrested on 17.05.2025 and is in custody since then. The prosecution is yet to lead evidence to prove the involvement of the petitioner in the crime. At this stage, nothing is to be recovered from the petitioner and the investigation is almost complete. Even otherwise, the petitioner is a senior citizen and deserves sympathetic consideration."Hence, the Court opined that "further custody of the petitioner will not serve any useful purpose."The controversy erupted after Ahmed allegedly uploaded three edited videos on Facebook on May 14, shortly after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10. One of the videos was an AI-generated clip of Prime Minister Modi, in which he appeared to be making certain remarks pertaining to Pakistan.Senior Counsel Bipan Ghai appearing for the petitioner submitted that even from the allegations levelled by the complainant, no offence under Sections 152, 197(1)(d) of BNS is made out.He further contended that the police had examined the passport of the petitioner and it was found that after 1990, the petitioner had never visited Pakistan in the last 35 years. "Even the video in question was not created by the petitioner, but he had only forwarded the video and there is no evidence to connect him with the commission of alleged crime," he added.The Senior counsel highlighted that Ahmed is a senior citizen and is suffering from various old age related diseases, which is apparent from the medical records submitted.On the other hand, the State counsel vehemently opposed the submissions made by counsel for the petitioner on the ground that serious allegations have been levelled against the petitioner and he does not deserve the concession of bail.Without commenting on the merits of the case, the Court allowed the petition.Mr. Bipan Ghai, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Nikhil Ghai, Advocate, Mr. Paras Talwar, Advocate for the petitioner.Mr. Rupinder Singh Jhand, Addl. A.G., Haryana.Title: MUSHTAQ AHMED v. STATE OF HARYANAClick here to read/download the order

Punjab & Haryana High Court Grants Bail To Doctor Arrested For Mocking PM Modi And Home Minister Amit Shah

Aiman J. Chishti

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