Allahabad HC grants interim protection from arrest to former UP Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi in sedition case

The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to former Uttar Pradesh (UP) Governor Dr. Aziz Qureshi in a sedition case which was registered against him for his alleged derogatory remarks against the UP government headed by Yogi Adityanath.

A Division Bench comprising of Justices Pritinker Diwaker and Mohd. Aslam granted Dr. Qureshi interim protection till the next date of hearing.

"Considering the facts and circumstances of case, protection from arrest to the petitioner is granted till the next date of hearing," the Court ordered, as per a report carried by Bar & Bench.

Qureshi was booked for sedition (Section 124A of Indian Penal Code) on a complaint by BJP leader Akash Kumar Saxena for an alleged remark comparing the Yogi government to "blood sucking demon".

The state counsel submitted that he be given 3 days time to seek instructions and to summon the diary in the matter.

Counsel for petitioner, Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid, did not oppose the same but submitted that Qureshi be protected by an interim order till the next date of hearing.

It was also highlighted that Qureshi is a former Governor of Uttar Pradesh and has held various important assignments and is also of advanced age, being 82 years old.

The Court proceeded to grant interim protection and posted the case for further consideration on October 6.