Ex- MLA held for hate speech, released on bail

TRIVANDRUM: The police in Kerala on Sunday arrested former legislator PC George for his hate speech against minorities at a conference of a right-wing group last week.

The police say his speech promoted religious hatred and booked him under non-bailable Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code.

The law makes promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion an offence that could land the offender in jail for up to three years besides a fine.

Later they charged him under Section 295 A (deliberate and malicious act, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) as well.

It could atract punishment of imprisonment which may extend to two years, a fine or both.

Police had sought 14 days in custody for interrogation but the magistrate granted him interim bail on conditions.

The court asked him not to interfere with the investigation, influence witnesses or make any hate speeches or get involved in any controversies while on bail.

Talking to media persons outside the court George said that he stood by his words and had no regrets.

The policemen picked up George early Sunday morning from his residence at Eratupeta in the Kotayam district and brought him to the armed reserve police camp here.

The Kerala Janapaksham (Secular) leader arrived in his private vehicle ater re

fusing to travel in a police jeep. He was accompanied by his son Shone George.

The arrest was made on the directions of state police chief Anil Kant.

They did not allow junior foreign minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader V Muraleedharan, who rushed there expressing solidarity, to meet him.

“Kerala police are having dual stands,” Muraleedharan told reporters ater the police refused him permission to meet him while in their custody.

By noon, they produced him at the residence of the judicial first class magistrate as it was a public holiday. However, no public prosecutor was present to defend the arrest.

The opposition parties alleged that the government made “a symbolic” detention under their pressure and facilitated the bail without sending the prosecutor to defend the arrest.

BJP state president K Surendran accused the Pinarayi Vijayan government of adopting a fascist line.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan demanded legal action against Sangh Parivar leaders at whose behest George made the controversial remarks.