Supreme Court grants bail to Assam Professor in anti-India post case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Md Joynal Abedin, a former professor at Gossaigaon College in Assam, who was arrested for posting "anti-India" remarks on social media.
However, the Court explicitly clarified that this relief should not lead to his reinstatement at the college due to additional serious allegations against him.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that Abedin is also implicated in two other cases concerning the alleged molestation of female students and the circulation of objectionable remarks about them on social media.
Bail Based on Incarceration Period
The bench, which had previously termed the professor a "pervert" and "a threat to young girls," granted bail primarily on the grounds that he has been in jail for over six months and the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude.
"Taking into consideration all the factors, let him be released on bail, subject to furnishing bail bonds. Let him be present in court for every hearing," the bench ordered.
Chief Justice Kant stressed to the counsel for the Assam government that Abedin's current suspension from the college must remain in effect, emphasizing that the bail granted cannot be construed as a reason for his rejoining, given the serious allegations involving students.
On November 12, the top court had strongly criticized Abedin, stating he could not be released easily. "You are in the habit of harassing women on social media and making obscene remarks. You are a perverted man and a threat to young girls in college," the Court had remarked after reviewing case records.
"What kind of professor are you? You are a shame to the word professor. You should not be allowed to enter the college."
Plea for Bail and Trial Delay
Abedin had approached the apex court challenging the Gauhati High Court's denial of bail, arguing that he had been incarcerated since his arrest on May 16 and that the trial had not yet commenced, despite the police filing a chargesheet.
His counsel informed the bench that the former professor had apologized and deleted the "anti-India" post as soon as he realized it was against the country's interests. They also claimed that the trial was stalled due to the absence of a judicial officer at the Gossaigaon court.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had requested the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to address the vacancy or consider transferring the case to the sessions court in Kokrajhar district.