The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently granted bail to a man accused of chanting “Pakistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad” on the condition that he must salute the Indian flag 21 times, twice a month, while raising the slogan “Bharat Mata ki Jai” [Faizal @ Faizan v. State of Madhya Pradesh].
Justice Dinesh Kumar Paliwal issued the order, emphasizing that the accused could be released on bail after imposing conditions designed to instill in him a sense of responsibility and pride for his country.
The man was charged under Section 153B (promoting enmity) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. The High Court granted bail on October 15.
The court order specified, “He shall continuously mark his presence at Police Station Misrod, Bhopal, between 10 A.M. and 12 P.M. on the 1st and 4th Tuesday of each month until the trial concludes and shall salute the National Flag displayed at the police station building 21 times while raising the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai.’ This condition must be included in the bail papers.”
Justice Dinesh Kumar Paliwal highlighted that the conditions were intended to instill a sense of national pride in the accused.
The defense counsel for the accused argued that he had not committed any crime and was falsely implicated, though it was admitted that a video showed him chanting a pro-Pakistan slogan.
The State opposed the bail request, describing the accused as a habitual offender with about 13 prior cases. The State further noted that the video depicted him openly shouting slogans against the country in which he was born and raised.
The State’s counsel argued that if the accused was not content living in India, he could choose to live in a different country for which he expressed support.
Ultimately, the Court granted bail upon submission of a personal bond of ₹50,000, in addition to the condition of saluting the Indian flag and chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” The order is effective until the trial concludes, with a provision that if the accused breaches any bail conditions, the bail will be revoked.
Advocate Hakim Khan represented the accused, while Advocate CK Mishra appeared for the State.