The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to a Muslim man arrested in Muzaffarnagar over an Instagram post linked to the “I Love Mohammed” controversy, noting that the post did not mention any particular caste or community.
Court Says Post Did Not Target Any Community
Justice Rajiv Lochan Shukla, while hearing the case, observed that the content shared by the accused, identified as Nadeem, did not name or target any specific group.
“The supposed objectionable post made on the Instagram handle by the applicant does not name any particular caste or community,” the court said in its order.
The court also took into account that Nadeem had been in jail since October 7, 2025, and that a chargesheet had already been filed in the case.
Bail Granted After Months in Custody
Granting relief, the court ordered Nadeem’s release on bail upon furnishing a personal bond along with two sureties.
His lawyer, Atul Kumar, argued that his client had been falsely implicated and that there was little chance of the trial concluding soon.
“There is no likelihood of the trial being completed in the near future,” the defence counsel submitted.
The court also noted that the accused did not have any prior criminal record, which weighed in favour of granting bail.
State Opposed Bail, Called Post Provocative
The state government opposed the bail plea, claiming that the video posted by Nadeem contained provocative remarks.
According to the prosecution, the accused had stated that he would “slit his own neck and that of others” in support of the slogan “I Love Mohammed,” which authorities argued could incite unrest.
The state also linked the slogan to earlier incidents of tension and violence reported in parts of Bareilly in September 2025.
Background: ‘I Love Mohammed’ Controversy
The case is part of a broader controversy surrounding the use of the slogan “I Love Mohammed” during religious events in Uttar Pradesh last year.
Tensions were first reported in Kanpur, where the slogan was displayed during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, leading to objections and police intervention.
Subsequently, protests and clashes were reported in different districts, with multiple FIRs registered and several arrests made in connection with alleged attempts to disturb communal harmony.
Court Balances Free Speech and Law
While granting bail, the High Court appeared to balance concerns of law and order with the rights of the accused, particularly noting the absence of direct references to any community in the post.
