'We are not a Taliban state': Court denies bail to Hindu Rakshak Dal chief

A Delhi Court said "we are not a Taliban state" while rejecting the anticipatory bail plea of Hindu Raksha Dal president Pinky Chaudhary. He is a prime accused in the case related to anti-Muslim slogans at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The court said that rule of law is the sacrosanct governing principle in our plural and multicultural society.

Referring to the slogans raised at Jantar Mantar earlier this month, the court said that the accusations are serious and the offence alleged is severe in nature. "History is not immune where such incidents have fared communal tensions leading to riots," the court added in its order on August 21.

The court further added that Chaudhary’s interview is “impregnated with high octane communal barbs, insulting and threatening gestures indicative of the calculative design to promote hatred..."

On August 11, the court had granted bail to Supreme Court lawyer and former BJP spokesperson Ashwini Upadhayay, who had organiser the Jantar Mantar protest where crass anti-Muslims slogans were raised.

The videos of hateful slogans in the heart of the national Capital has triggered widespread outrage.