In the recent Supreme Court ruling, SC grants relief to YouTuber Sattai Duraimurugan by YouTuber bail restoration, emphasizing the importance of free expression ahead of elections.
Background:
Sattai Duraimurugan faced arrest for alleged derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in his YouTube videos, leading to a legal battle.
History:
Initially granted bail by the Madras High Court with a condition to refrain from derogatory comments, Duraimurugan’s bail was later revoked due to continued remarks, sparking a legal dispute.
Key Aspects:
- The Supreme Court hears Duraimurugan’s plea challenging the bail cancellation.
- Justices AS Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observe that pre-election arrests for online allegations could lead to mass incarceration.
- The court asserts its authority in determining what constitutes scandalous speech.Acknowledging
- Duraimurugan’s participation in protests, the court upholds the importance of free expression.
Supreme Court’s Judgment:
The Supreme Court restores Duraimurugan’s bail, rejecting the notion of misuse of liberty and highlighting the insufficiency of grounds for bail cancellation.
In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court emphasizes the fundamental right to free speech and dissent, cautioning against arbitrary curtailment of liberties, especially in the digital age.
Source- India Today
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