Charges Against Mohammed Zubair

Charges Against Mohammed Zubair: Endangering India’s Sovereignty and Integrity. Ghaziabad police on Wednesday told the Allahabad High Court that a new charge has been added against Alt News co-founder Mohammad Zubair under an FIR registered on October 8. It alleges serious allegations of “endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India” under relevant sections of the IT Act.

Mention of BNS Section 152

Section 152 of the BNS added by the Ghaziabad police is a non-bailable offence. This section specifically deals with alleged acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. It is difficult for the accused to get bail in this section and the consequences are very serious.

Allegations made in the FIR
The case started when Udita Tyagi, general secretary of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati Trust, filed a complaint. On the basis of this complaint, Zubair was considered an accused and a case was registered against him under several sections. The following sections have been mentioned in the FIR:

Section 196:
This section deals with promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion.
Section 228:
This includes allegations of fabricating false evidence. This is a serious charge, as false evidence hinders the judicial process.
Section 299:
This section applies to deliberate and malicious acts done with the intent to hurt religious sentiments.

Sensitivity of the case

The Ghaziabad Police has made it clear in its action that this case is related to hurting religious sentiments as well as sovereignty and integrity of India. The charges added under the IT Act have made the case even more serious.

Zubair’s side

Mohammad Zubair and his legal team say that this case is an attempt to take away the freedom of individuals. Zubair, who works against fake news and misinformation through Alt News, has faced problems in the past.

Further course of action

It will now be interesting to see what stand the Allahabad High Court takes in this case. The court will consider the allegations made by the Ghaziabad police and the arguments made by Zubair’s legal team and pronounce its verdict.