The Allahabad High Court has rejected the bail plea of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with the September 2025 Bareilly violence case. The court ruled that slogans used during the unrest challenged national integrity and are distinct from religious chants.
On September 8, 2026, the Allahabad High Court denied the bail application of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the founder of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, who has been in custody since September 27, 2025. The case relates to the violent unrest that occurred in Bareilly on September 26, 2025.
Justice Ashutosh Srivastava, who presided over the hearing, focused on the legal definitions of free speech in the context of the incident. The court made a clear distinction between traditional religious affirmations and the 'Sar tan se juda' slogan reportedly used during the protests. The order observed that such slogans represent a direct challenge to the sovereignty, integrity, and authority of the law in India, rather than serving as expressions of personal religious reverence.
The state authorities have alleged that the petitioner acted as the 'mastermind' behind the gathering, which took place in defiance of prohibitory orders enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The prosecution argued that the demonstration escalated into civil disruption, directly impacting public order in the region.
In its decision to deny bail, the court emphasized that communal harmony is foundational to the democratic process. It noted that the conduct of the accused, including statements made during and after the incident, posed a significant risk to peace. The judiciary maintained that constitutional rights to free speech do not extend to rhetoric that incites violent rebellion or challenges the rule of law.
This legal development is significant for stakeholders tracking the regulatory and law-and-order environment in Uttar Pradesh. The case highlights the judiciary's stance on inflammatory public speech and its potential impact on societal stability. With the charges against the accused yet to be framed, the judicial proceedings will continue to be a focal point for updates on regional stability and legal precedent.