Synopsis
Former legislator P.C. George faces increasing legal challenges as the Kerala High Court denies his anticipatory bail request, citing repeated violations of court orders related to allegations of hate speech against the Muslim community.Key Takeaways
- Kochi High Court denies P.C. George anticipatory bail.
- George faces allegations of hate speech.
- He has a long political history, merging with BJP.
- High Court emphasizes his past violations.
- Detailed order on bail application is pending.
Kochi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Challenges are mounting for former legislator P.C. George as the Kerala High Court denied his anticipatory bail request on Friday.
George, aged 73, has had a lengthy political journey, associating with various political groups before establishing his own party, which he subsequently merged with the BJP in anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Currently, he serves as a senior leader within the BJP in Kerala.
He faces allegations of hate speech directed at a specific community during a televised debate.
Following the allegations, he sought relief from a lower court, which denied his bail plea, leading him to appeal to the Kerala High Court.
On February 17, the High Court highlighted that George has consistently been in violation of both the Magistrate Court and High Court orders.
Previously, the High Court had granted him bail on the premise that he would not engage in provocative speech.
“When the High Court issues orders, you are disregarding them and returning. What assurance do we have that you won’t do it again? My recommendation is for you to surrender,” the High Court remarked on February 17, deferring its decision.
The court further instructed: “Advise your client to consider surrendering. I can either postpone this or issue an order immediately. I can process his surrender the same day at the Magistrate's court or issue a comprehensive order denying bail.”
On Friday, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan rejected the bail application, with a detailed ruling pending.
The allegations against George include making statements labeling the Muslim community as “terrorists and communalists.”
He also claimed that no Muslim in India is free from terrorism, and further suggested that they should relocate to Pakistan to escape.
