Anticipatory Bail Granted to AMU Professor Accused of Blasphemy

Professor Accused of Blasphemy by Hindu Right-Wing Groups

Prof. Mohd. Shahzad of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been granted anticipatory bail by the Allahabad High Court in a case related to blasphemy.

The case was registered against Prof. Shahzad based on a complaint filed by the Hindu right-wing group Bajrang Dal. The complaint alleged that Prof. Shahzad had made derogatory remarks about Hindu mythology during a lecture.

Alleged Blasphemy Sparks Protests

The allegations against Prof. Shahzad sparked protests by Hindu right-wing groups, who demanded strict action against him. On September 20, thousands of protesters gathered outside the AMU campus, demanding Prof. Shahzad's arrest.

The university administration closed the campus for a week following the protests. Prof. Shahzad was also suspended from his position.

FIR Filed Against Professor

On September 27, the Aligarh police registered a first information report (FIR) against Prof. Shahzad under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with the offense of outraging religious feelings.

The FIR was filed based on a complaint filed by a local Bajrang Dal leader. The complaint alleged that Prof. Shahzad had made offensive remarks about Hindu gods and goddesses.

Anticipatory Bail Granted

On September 29, the Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to Prof. Shahzad. The court observed that the allegations against Prof. Shahzad were "vague" and "lacked specificity."

The court directed Prof. Shahzad to furnish a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties of Rs. 25,000 each. The court also ordered Prof. Shahzad to cooperate with the investigation and not indulge in any activity that could disturb the peace.

Prof. Shahzad's release on anticipatory bail has been welcomed by the AMU community. The university administration has expressed its confidence in Prof. Shahzad and stated that it will continue to support him.