Comedian Munawar Faruqui released from Indore Central Jail

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui released from the Indore central jail on Saturday late night. He was seen moving out of the jail from the back door due to security reasons. He was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by passing objectionable remarks about Hindu deities during a show on January 1.

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui walk out of Indore central jail late night after the Supreme Court granted him bail on Friday. The comedian was released from another door of the jail in the early hours on Sunday presumably to avoid media persons at the jail's main gate and to ensure his safety.

Asked why Faruqui was released late from the jail, an officer of the Indore Central Jail said a court in Prayagraj had ordered Faruqui's production in a similar case on February 18. Citing the jail manual, he said an order from the Prayagraj court or a competent government officer is needed to release Faruqui.

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail after the Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected his bail plea on January 28. The Apex court also stayed the production warrant issued against Faruqui by a court in Prayagraj in connection with an FIR lodged there.

Munawar Faruqui told ETV Bharat, "I have full faith in the judiciary system that I will get justice."

However, he further refused to comment anything on the matter.

Faruqui's lawyers on Saturday submitted a copy of the SC order in the local court, which then directed that he be released on a bond of Rs 50,000 and the same amount of security. As per the First Information Report, the comedy show was held at a cafe in 56 Dukan area of Indore on January 1. Eklavya Singh Gaud, son of local BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaud, had filed a complaint against Faruqui and others.

Faruqui and others were arrested under IPC section 295-A (outraging religious feelings). They were also accused of holding the show amid COVID-19 pandemic without permission and were booked under section 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), and other relevant provisions.