Case brief
What is this about?
Delhi High Court (Girish Kathpalia, J., oral judgment dated 16.07.2026) allows regular bail to Abid Ali @ Aabi (BAIL APPLN. 1885/2026) and Furkan (BAIL APPLN. 2545/2026) in FIR No. 534/2025, PS Seemapuri, under Sections 115(2)/126(2)/304(2)/317(2)/109/74/191(1)/191(2)/190 BNS, arising from assault by local residents on two freelance 'media' persons recording video near a place of worship. Key grounds: IO's claim of applicants entering the bus shown false on replay of video footage; prosecution's inconsistent identification of Furkan (white shirt in Sessions status report vs brown t-shirt in chargesheet); involvement a 'grey area'; custody since 05.07.2025 with trial not commenced; four co-accused already bailed. Discussion of freedom of press versus irresponsible self-styled YouTube journalism; suggestion for legislative regulatory framework; observations limited to bail purpose. Conditions: personal bond Rs.10,000/- with one surety each. Also criticizes IO/SHO non-appearance and failure of investigating agency to assist the Court.