Bail for Sikh leaders held after Sarbat Khalsa

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

Less than two months after some leaders were accused of instigating the youth for committing breach of unity and integrity during Sarbat Khalsa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today granted bail to Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhupinder Singh of the US. Mohkam Singh is president of the United Akali Dal.

The FIR in the matter was registered at Chatiwind in Amritsar under sections 124-A, 153-A, 153-B, 115, 117 and 120-B of the IPC and also under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities, and 66-F of the IT Act.

The order was passed by Justice MMS Bedi of the high court. Taking up Mohkam Singh’s bail plea, Justice Bedi observed the petitioner was seeking the concession of regular bail in a case registered on the report of SHO, Police Station, Chittiwind, Amritsar, on November 10, 2015.

Justice Bedi added the conference, “claimed as Sarbat Khalsa”, was attended by various leaders and few residents of the US, UK and Italy. “The general allegations in the FIR are that in the conference organisers and leaders instigated the youth for committing breach of unity and integrity of the country as such slogans were raised spreading hateful sentiments between the communities”.

So far as the petitioner was concerned, he along with 19 others was accused of instigating the youth to “commit activities to breach of unity and integrity of the country”.

“Though the petitioner is named in the FIR, specific words have not been attributed to the petitioner. The petitioner has been in custody since November 23, 2015. Without expression of any opinion on merits, in view of the nature of the allegations against the petitioner, he can be granted the concession of bail”, Justice Bedi asserted, while allowing the petition.

Before parting with the order, Justice Bedi added: “It is ordered that the petitioner will be released on bail on his furnishing bail bonds/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the Chief Judicial Magistrate or Illaqua Magistrate.”