A Delhi University professor who was arrested on Friday night over a social media post that appeared to question claims of a 'Shivling' found inside Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque complex, has been granted bail by a court in Delhi.
Ratan Lal, a history professor with Delhi University's Hindu College, is accused of promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion and committing "acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony".
Here's what the bail order says:
The feeling of hurt felt by an individual cannot represent the entire group or community and any such complaint regarding hurt feelings has to be seen in its context considering the entire spectrum of facts/circumstances.
The accused shall strictly refrain from posting any social media posts or interviews regarding the controversy which resulted in the present FIR.
It is clear that the post of the accused is speculative in nature with regard to a structure/symbol which as of now is not accessible in public domain. When considered in the aforesaid context, the post of the accused may appear to be a failed attempt at satire regarding a controversial subject which has backfired, resulting in the present FIR.
It is observed that Indian Civilization is one of the oldest in the world and known to be tolerant and accepting to all religions.
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