A Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of YouTuber and social commentator Ajeet Bharti, who faces charges under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act). The decision was handed down by Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler, although the detailed order is yet to be released.
The case originated from an FIR lodged on August 23 at Delhi’s North Avenue Police Station, accusing Bharti of offenses under the SC/ST Act, Section 67 of the IT Act, and Sections 196(1)(c) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complainant, Balakram Bauddh, who is the Delhi State President of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), alleged that a video published by Bharti contained caste-based slurs and offensive remarks against notable figures like Chandrashekhar Azad (‘Ravan’) and BR Ambedkar, as well as derogatory comments about women.
In his defense, Bharti asserted that his remarks were a reaction to a provocative comment made about his family. Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, representing Bharti, argued that Bharti’s comments were triggered by a highly offensive suggestion about his married sister. “My remarks were made as a reaction because somebody said my married sister should marry someone. This was a grave provocation,” Bharti explained.
Dehadrai contended that Bharti’s comments were specifically directed at the individual who made the offensive remark and did not target any community or caste. He also denied any disrespect towards BR Ambedkar, clarifying that Bharti’s references to Ambedkar were made with respect, urging his followers not to make such unsavory statements.
Bharti’s legal team cited several judicial precedents to argue that the charges under the SC/ST Act were unwarranted. Despite these arguments, the court decided against granting anticipatory bail.
More Read
On the other hand, the Delhi Police assured the court that Bharti’s arrest should not be presumed solely based on the registration of the case.
