Zubair moves SC for bail, wants FIR in UP quashed

One-liner: The SC has agreed to hear today the plea of Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair for quashing the FIR and bail in connection with a case registered against him.

Clearance needed: A vacation bench said on Thursday that the matter be listed today subject to clearance from the Chief Justice of India.  

Bail rejected: During the hearing, a senior advocate for Zubair said his anticipatory bail was rejected by the Allahabad HC and subsequently he was arrested.  

To fact-check news: He said that Zubair is the co-founder of Alt News and his job is to fact-check news and he was doing the role of identifying hate speeches.

Complaint preferred: An FIR was lodged against Zubair in UP under IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings) and section 67 of the IT Act on a complaint by Hindu Sher Sena Sitapur district president on June 1.

Arrested: Zubair was arrested by the Delhi Police on June 27 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through one of his tweets.

• Zubair said the allegations in the impugned FIR even if taken on its face value do not disclose any offence

The appeal: The appeal sought a stay of the investigation in the Sitapur FIR and direct the UP govt not to proceed, prosecute or arrest the petitioner. 

Source: PTI