Hemant Malviya, who is accused of making offensive cartoons of RSS leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and posting inappropriate comments about Lord Shiva, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court. He has requested anticipatory bail (protection from arrest). The court has said it will hear the case on Monday.
What Did the High Court Say?
Earlier, the Indore Bench of the High Court, led by Justice Subodh Abhyankar, had rejected Hemant’s bail plea on July 8. The court said that freedom of expression was being misused in this case. The court considered the cartoons and comments offensive and harmful to religious and social harmony.
What Did Hemant’s Lawyer Argue?
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Hemant, presented the case before Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi in the Supreme Court.
She said that the cartoon was posted in 2021, but the FIR was filed only this year (2025).
Also, she pointed out that the sections applied under the new BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) carry a maximum punishment of 3 years, yet the High Court still denied anticipatory bail.
Background of the Case
- The FIR was registered by Vinay Joshi, an RSS worker and lawyer, at Lasudiya Police Station in Indore this May.
- He accused Hemant of uploading objectionable content that hurt Hindu religious sentiments and tried to disturb social harmony.
- The FIR includes charges related to hurting religious feelings and spreading communal tension.
What Happens Next?
Now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court’s decision. If the court grants interim protection, Hemant Malviya will not be arrested until the case is fully heard. The case raises important questions about the limits of free speech, religious sensitivity, and social responsibility on public platforms.
