Forwarding Pro-Pak Message Not Sedition: Allahabad High Court Grants Bail to Sajid Chaudhary
October 7, 2025
In a significant ruling reinforcing the principles of free speech, the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Meerut resident Sajid Chaudhary, who was accused of making statements allegedly threatening India’s sovereignty by forwarding a message that read, “Kamran Bhatti Proud of You, Pakistan Zindabad.”
Chaudhary had been in jail since May 2025 under charges invoking Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Delivering the order on October 6, 2025, Justice Santosh Rai observed that the mere forwarding or sharing of such a message does not automatically attract the offence under Section 152 BNS. The Court held that to constitute the said offence, there must be a clear and deliberate intention to promote secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, or to endanger the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
The Court further noted that while sharing such a post may cause anger or disharmony among citizens potentially attracting provisions under Section 196 BNS it does not amount to an offence against the State in the absence of malicious intent or actual impact on national integrity.
Reiterating the importance of freedom of speech and expression, the Court cautioned that this fundamental right should not be narrowly interpreted unless the words or actions in question actually harm the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Referring to previous Supreme Court observations, Justice Rai emphasized that before registering criminal cases for social media posts, authorities must apply the standard of a reasonable, strong-minded, firm, and courageous individual rather than reacting based on subjective outrage or hypersensitivity.
The ruling is seen as a crucial reaffirmation of constitutional safeguards around free expression, distinguishing between offensive speech and genuine threats to national security.
