Mumbai, Mar 14 (UNI) In an interesting development in Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi case pertaining to his controversial remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb while interacting with media persons, a sessions court while granting bail to SP leader recently observed that the police officer had registered the case against Azmi without seeing the proof (interview), a lawyer said on Friday.
The court granted bail to Azmi on Tuesday while the copy of the detailed order was made available on Thursday.
In its order, Judge V G Raghuwanshi said that the investigating officer had registered the case without watching the interview in which the MLA was alleged to have hurt sentiments by eulogising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
The court also cautioned Azmi, who has been suspended from the ongoing Budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly over the comments, to “exercise restraint” and “understand his responsibility” as a senior politician.
“The investigation in this matter is at primary stage, therefore, it will not be fair to comment upon the interview given by applicant (Azmi). I asked the investigating officer about the video of interview. I was surprised to hear that investigating officer does not have the video recording of alleged interview till today and he registered offence without seeing that interview,” the court said.
Follwoing his comments the Marine Lines police station and Thane police had registered offences, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections pertaining to hurting religious sentiments, insulting religious beliefs and defamation.
The FIRs (first information reports) referred to Azmi’s statements while speaking to reporters on March three in the Maharashtra Assembly premises.
“Before parting with this order, I would like to caution the applicant to exercise restraint on himself while giving interviews, having regards to prevailing circumstances. Any irresponsible statement can flare riots and create a law and order problem. I hope applicant being a senior politician will understand his responsibility,” said Additional Sessions Judge V G Raghuwanshi.
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