(Image source from: Anti India sloganeering – Supreme Court refuses bail})
The Supreme Court on today refused to entertain JNU anti India sloganeering JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar bail plea. The apex court has instructed him to approach the Delhi High Court for the same. After SC refused the bail plea of Kanhaiya Kumar, the lawyers are destined to approach HC before 2pm on today itself.
"The environment at the Patiala House Court complex is not conducive for a hearing, much less for a fair trial. In these circumstances I as well as my lawyers fear the safety of their life and limb and are unable to present my case before the concerned court of law," said Kumar's bail plea.
"You are leading a dangerous proposition. If this court will entertain it, it will become a precedent which will be available to all the accused in the country. Wherever there will be sensitive cases involving political persons or prominent persons or others, you know the atmosphere in the court. So in every case, if it is said that the Supreme Court is only the court, it would be a dangerous precedent," a bench comprising justices J Chelameswar and A M Sapre said. Further, it said, "Remember, this is not the only case of this type."
While transferring the bail plea of Kanhaiya, the bench took an assurance from Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar that in the "prevailing extraordinary situation" pertaining to this matter, the Government of India and the Delhi Police Commissioner would provide adequate safety and security to the accused and a stream of lawyers who will be appearing in the High Court.
Shehla Rashid VP of JNU students' union, who is leading the protest said, "We are extremely disappointed. We expected that the Supreme Court will intervene the matter and we will get relief. There is a fear of mob frenzy and it would have been best if the apex court itself would have heard the plea. We are really concerned about Kanhaiya's security."
Kanhaiya's lawyer Vrinda Grover has told reporters that they will try to move High Court seeking bail for the accused by 2pm today. Counsel for all parties will be permitted in the High Court, but entry of others, including journalists would be regulated by Registrar General of High Court, the Supreme Court said on Friday. Supreme Court also asked the government to ensure safety and security of the counsel representing different parties.
"I will move a private members bill against sedition. Until someone advocates violence, talks about physical violence, one should not be charged with sedition," Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said.
By Premji
