The SC granted anticipatory bail to RJ Brady H Jonathan Nitin, who had allegedly compared ‘Indian Idol’ Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling to “chowkidars” (watchmen) last year.
DELHI: The supreme court (SC) granted anticipatory bail on Wednesday to radio jockey (RJ) Brady H Jonathan Nitin, who had allegedly compared ‘Indian Idol’ Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling to “chowkidars” (watchmen) last year.
On September 27, agitated fans of Tamang filed a criminal complaint alleging Nitin had promoted “ill feelings” among “different races and communities” of India and his activities were “prejudicial to communal harmony”.
On the basis of “misinterpretation” of Nitin’s remarks as reported in certain sections of the media, the fans also alleged that he had deliberately insulted the “Gorkhali/Nepali” community, and was thus liable to be prosecuted for an offence under section 153A of IPC.
The supreme court judgment referred to media reports quoting Nitin as saying that “If chowkidars become ‘Indian Idols’ (meaning Prashant Tamang), from where we are to obtain chowkidars”.
Though Nitin made attempts to clarify, the complainants pressed for trial. Soon, a trial court issued warrants against him and the Calcutta high court upheld the trial court order, asking Nitin to surrender before Kolkata Police.
A bench of justices RV Raveendran and Lokeshwar Singh Panta refused to order custodial interrogation of the radio jockey. It is a fit case where the appellant is entitled for the grant of anticipatory bail, they said.
“We do not see any satisfactory and convincing reason for custodial interrogation of Nitin for the alleged offence registered against him.
“Nitin can be interrogated by the investigating officer without taking him in custody.”
b_rakesh@dnaindia.net
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