NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to former Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) Chairman Zafarul Islam Khan in a sedition case as he was not required for further investigation by the police. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, who conducted the hearing through video conferencing, granted the relief to the 72-year-old and asked him to join the investigation as and when required.
“The petitioner (Khan) is admitted to anticipatory bail on furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety of the like amount in the event of arrest,” the judge said while dictating the order. The court was informed by advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Khan, that he has already submitted his laptop with the police and joined the investigation a number of times.
Prosecutor M P Singh said he has instructions from the police that Khan is no longer required for fur ther investigation. The high court, while granting pre-arrest bail to Khan, asked him to cooperate in the investigation and in case of change in address, inform the investigating officer. He was also asked not to leave Delhi without prior intimation to the police.
The court was hearing a plea by Khan seeking anticipatory bail in the sedition case lodged against him, citing his age, health issues and risk of contracting Covid-19. The court had earlier granted him interim relief, asking the police not to take any coercive measure against him till July 31.