The bail granted to a Youtuber who allegedly made derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been reinstated by the Supreme Court, asserting that not everyone making allegations on social media should be imprisoned.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan stated that there was no evidence suggesting A Duraimurugan Sattai misused the granted liberty. During the proceedings, Justice Oka posed a significant question to Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the State, stating, “If before elections, we start putting behind bars everyone who makes allegations on Youtube, imagine how many will be jailed?”
The court also rejected the plea to impose a condition on Sattai, barring him from making scandalous remarks while on bail. Justice Oka challenged Mukul Rohatgi, questioning who would determine whether a statement is scandalous or not.
The case originated from Mr. Sattai’s appeal against a Madras High Court order that revoked his bail. The High Court noted that shortly after giving an undertaking, based on which he was granted relief, Mr. Sattai made derogatory remarks against the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Seeking justice, Mr. Sattai approached the Supreme Court, which issued a notice on his plea in July 2022. The top court upheld the bail granted to him in August 2021. Consequently, Mr. Sattai remained on bail for over 2.5 years.
In support of the State’s argument, Mukul Rohatgi highlighted two FIRs registered against Mr. Sattai in December 2022 and March 2023.
The verdict comes just before the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases starting April 19, with results announced on June 4.