Hanuman Chalisa row: Rana couple granted bail by special court

Mumbai: A special court Wednesday granted conditional bail to lawmaker-couple Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana on charges including sedition.

The couple had been doing time in jail since their arrest on April 23 after they declared to chant Hanuman Chalisa in front of the private residence of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray.

The Ranas are likely to be released from jail on Wednesday, after completing the procedure.

Following their arrest, Independent MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana were sent to judicial custody till May 6.

The court allowed their release on a bond of Rs 50,000. Their lawyers sought their release on provisional cash bail for two weeks till the surety can be arranged, The Indian Express reported.

The conditions for bail restrained them from making any statement related to the case to the press. Their bail will be forfeited in the event of committing similar offences again.

Alongside they have to remain present for probe within a 24-hour notice given by investigators.

Their bail application on Saturday said the couple's call to chant Hanuman Chalisa was for popular support, not to incite violence.

On Saturday, both prosecution and defence reportedly completed arguments over bail application.

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