Saluting Indian flag mandated for bail in 'Pakistan Zindabad' case in Madhya Pradesh

A man accused of shouting anti-India slogans, including "Pakistan Zindabad," has been granted bail by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on the condition that he salutes the Indian national flag 21 times, twice a month while raising the slogan "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."

The accused, Faizan, was arrested following a First Information Report (FIR) filed on May 17, alleging that he shouted "Pakistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad" (Longlive Pakistan, Death to India).

The prosecution argued that Faizan’s actions were intended “to promote enmity between different groups” and that his conduct was harmful to national harmony and integration.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Paliwal, who presided over the case, imposed several conditions for Faizan’s bail.

Faizan must report to the local police station twice a month, on the first and fourth Tuesday, and during each visit, “he shall salute the national flag unfurled on the building of the police station 21 times, raising the slogan ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Long live mother India).

This condition, the court noted, must be incorporated into the bail papers.

The bail bond was set at ₹50,000 (approximately $600).

In addition to the bail conditions, Faizan is required to mark his presence at the police station between 10am and noon on the designated Tuesdays, until his trial concludes.

During the trial, Ashok Khalko, the Director of the Forensic Cyber Cell in Bhopal, testified before the court, revealing that “3,400 matters are pending before Forensic Cyber Lab for examination,” and that the lab is currently understaffed, with only four personnel available to handle cases.

The court subsequently directed the state government to provide sufficient staff to expedite the examination process.

Faizan’s lawyer, Hakim Khan, argued that his client was falsely implicated but acknowledged that Faizan was seen in a video shouting the slogans.

On the other hand, government advocate CK Mishra contended that Faizan was a habitual offender with 14 criminal cases registered against him.

Mishra stated, “He is openly shouting slogans against the country in which he is born and brought up. If he is not happy and satisfied in this nation, he may opt to live in the country of his choice for which he raised the slogan of zindabad.”