Calling Muslims terrorists: Kerala HC rejects PC George's bail plea
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Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed an anticipatory bail petition filed by BJP leader PC George in a hate speech case registered against him by the Erattupetta police. George, a former MLA, has been accused of calling Muslims terrorists during a television debate.
PC George faces charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 196(1)(a) for promoting enmity between groups based on religion and 299 for deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings. Additionally, he is charged under the Kerala Police Act's Section 120(O) for causing nuisance and violating public order.
The public prosecutor had submitted that George was not entitled to receive anticipatory bail as he has repeatedly violated bail conditions in 4 previous similar cases, showing disregard for court orders.
Earlier, PC George claimed his hate speech remarks were unintentional, calling them a "slip of tongue" made during a heated TV debate. He apologized for the comments on social media, insisting he never meant to hurt religious sentiments. However, the Kottayam Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition, leading him to appeal to the Kerala High Court.
During the hearings in the case, the court had expressed concerns over George's repeated violations of previous bail conditions, which barred him from making provocative statements. The High Court strongly reprimanded P.C. George during his bail plea hearing for repeatedly violating bail conditions set by both the High Court and magistrate's court in previous hate speech cases. Despite being granted bail, George continued to make similar remarks, brazenly disregarding the court's conditions.