“I spoke within the limits of freedom of expression. I need to be granted bail,” said Pastor George Ponnaiya, who has filed a bail petition in the Madurai branch of the High Court.
On July 24, Christian Pastor George Ponnaiya, wanted on charges of rabid hate speech against Hindus and slandering Bharat Mata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, was arrested by Kanya Kumari police.
After his hate speech video went viral on social media, several Hindu leaders filed complaints across Tamil Nadu and controversial Pastor George Ponnaiya went into hiding. Kanya Kumari Police formed five special teams to arrest the pastor, and he was arrested in Kallikudi, Madurai district, using his cell phone signal.
Pastor George Ponnaiya stated in his bail application to the Madurai branch of the Madras High Court that he is merely a social activist whose speech has been misconstrued and false charges have been levelled against him.
He added that expressing anti-government opinions is not unlawful, and that he did so within the bounds of the constitution’s freedom of expression. He also stated that he has a heart problem and that he should be released on bail.
He has also filed another petition, which will be heard soon, requesting a stay of the trial and dismissal of the case.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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