On Monday, the Delhi Police was questioned by the hon’ble Delhi High Court for imposing sedition charge against Kanhaiya Kumar, who is the leader of JNUSU. Kanhaiya was in police custody and was imposed sedition charges for raising anti-Indian slogans in Jawaharlal Nehru University. The court asked the Delhi police to adduce evidence to show his active role in JNU issues and raising slogans against India. The Court further asked the police why they did not file the case on February 9. The prosecution submitted before the court that Kanhaiya was not cooperative throughout the investigation and also raised some contradictory statements regarding the interrogation conducted jointly by intelligence bureau and Delhi police.
But Justice Pratibha Rani asked for evidence to prove their allegations . The Court pointed out that the presence in the spot is very much different from participation in raising slogans. The Court also wanted to know the truth regarding his active participation in raising slogans against India. During the hearing of bail petition, the court asked whether the video record proved that the accused had raised slogan. Kanhaiya’s father, brother and relatives were present during the hearing. They entered the court hall under the escort of police. It was as per the directions of the Supreme Court to ensure the safety of lawyers and persons associated with Kanhaiya.
The verdict was reserved by the bench to March 2 and asked the prosecution to explain how he was involved in the JNU issue and how he was leading the protests. The court also asked the police whether they had any video evidence to show the accused raising slogans against India. The Additional Solicitor General submitted before the court that they did not had any video evidences but they had other evidences and witnesses to prove his participation. The ASG also stated that granting bail to the accused will increase similar incidents in India. But the Delhi Government asked the court to grant bail to the accused.
Adv. Jewel Panicker