New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday granted bail to Joynal Abedin, a suspended professor of Gossaigaon College in Assam, who was arrested for allegedly posting anti-India and obscene content on social media.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, however, made it clear that the bail order must not be treated as a ground for reinstating him in service.
The Court noted that Abedin has been in custody for six months and that the trial is likely to take considerable time, with the prosecution still required to examine four witnesses.
“Taking into consideration all such factors, let him be released on bail, subject to furnishing bail bonds. Let him be present in court for every hearing,” the Bench directed.
At the same time, the Court emphasised that his suspension must continue in view of the serious allegations.
“This order shall not be construed as a ground for reinstatement of the petitioner and it is highly advisable that he is not since there are allegations against him of acts against girl students,” the CJI observed.
Abedin is also named in two other cases involving allegations of molestation of female students at the workplace.
The Gauhati High Court had earlier denied him bail in July, observing that his Facebook post stating “we are with the brother of Pakistani citizens” and “we will be with them in future also” supported Pakistan at a time of heightened tension between the two countries.
The High Court had held that he violated his fundamental duties under Article 51A of the Constitution.
Last month, the Supreme Court too had expressed strong disapproval of his online conduct, noting allegations that he had stalked and made obscene remarks against women.
However, considering the prolonged incarceration and the time required to conclude the trial, the Court today allowed his release on bail while directing that his suspension remain in force.
