Uttarakhand High Court Bars Mohammad Deepak From Social Media Over FIR Probe
The Uttarakand High Court declined to quash a first information report (FIR) against Kotdwar-based gym operator Mohammad 'Mohdh' Deepak and imposed an order restraining him from posting content on social media. A single-bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal rejected the accused's plea for police protection, stating that his confrontations with Bajrang Dal activists harassing a 71-year-old Muslim shopkeeper are part of the ongoing investigation rather than evidence warranting safety measures under Section 482 CrPC or Article 360A.
Key Points
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1The Uttarakland HC refused to quash an FIR against 'Mohammad' Deepak (Deepak Kumar), a Kotdwar-based gym operator.
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2Justice Rakesh Thapliyal imposed social media restrictions on the accused, citing interference with and sensationalization of the ongoing investigation into his confrontation right-wing activists harassing a Muslim shopkeeper in 2016. The court also declined to grant security for Deepak's family safety as requested by him.
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3The High Court accepted police contentions that there is no threat against 'Mohammad' Deepak, despite allegations of harassment and pressure on the victim.
Developments
The Uttarakhand High Court declined Deepak Kumar's plea to quash an FIR and ordered him not post content or seek police protection regarding his defense of a Muslim shopkeeper against Bajrang Dal activists. The court emphasized that since the petitioners were accused in registered cases, they must cooperate with investigations rather than demanding security while facing legal scrutiny themselves.
The Uttarakand High Court refused to quash an FIR against Deepak Kumar for confronting a Bajrang Dal mob and directed him not to comment on social media regarding related cases, stating he must cooperate with investigations as India's citizen rather than issue sermons. While the court questioned how someone accused in criminal matters could seek police protection without facing threats themselves, it also noted that allegations made by Deepak Kumar are currently under investigation.
The Uttarakhand High Court refused Deepak Kumar's petition seeking FIR quashing against him after his viral confrontation with right-wing activists over a shop owner in Kotdwar. While ordering an inquiry into alleged police partisanship, Justice Rakesh Thapliyal rebuked the gym owner for being "too active" on social media and directed him to refrain from posting content that could interfere with investigations or endanger others' lives due to reported threats against his safety.