New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to human rights activist Nadeem Khan, asserting that the nation’s harmony is not fragile enough to be disrupted by an exhibition or statements. Khan, National General Secretary of Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), is facing allegations from the Delhi Police of promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy following a viral video linked to an APCR event, reports India Today.
An FIR was filed against Khan on November 30, claiming the video incited public anger and posed a threat to peace. Police officials reportedly attempted to detain Khan in Bengaluru without a warrant, following an attempt to raid at the APCR office in Delhi. However, Khan has denied any involvement in sharing or uploading the video, stating that his remarks were part of a broader social critique, protected under the constitutional right to free speech.
Justice Jasmeet Singh, who presided over the matter, criticised the police’s approach, stating, “The harmony of our nation is not so fragile that it can be disturbed by an exhibition or someone’s words. Citizens are intelligent and capable of discerning right from wrong.” The court underlined the importance of safeguarding Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
The High Court has barred Khan’s arrest until December 6 and directed him to cooperate with the investigation. He is also restricted from leaving Delhi without prior permission. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Khan, argued that the FIR lacks credible evidence and appears to be driven by conjecture, as no incidents of unrest have been reported.
The court has sought details of the evidence on which the FIR is based and will revisit the matter on December 6. This case has reignited debates on free speech and the role of law enforcement, with the High Court’s remarks reinforcing the resilience of democratic values and national harmony.
