Supreme Court stays proceedings against gym owner ‘Mohammad’ Deepak Kumar in rioting case

Singhvi also pointed out that the incident took place on Republic Day and that a video of it subsequently went viral on social media. “How can a Good Samaritan be subjected to this kind of a complaint?” Singhvi asked.

He added that the high court direction restraining him from posting on social media amounted to a “blanket gag order”. He said that although Kumar had also lodged complaints, no action was taken, but proceedings were initiated on a complaint against him.

What Uttarakhand High Court said

In his plea before the Uttarakhand High Court, Kumar said the police failed to take action despite evidence, including videos and details of the accused.

The high court said in its order that it “hopes and trusts that the investigation agency will conduct and conclude the investigation in a fair and transparent manner.”

“The petitioners should cooperate with the investigation, and till the investigation is completed, they should not indulge in sending messages or videos with regard to the incident. This is essential for a fair and transparent investigation. If someone indulges in sending messages or videos on social media, this will affect the investigation”.

The high court dismissed Deepak’s prayers seeking police protection, lodging an FIR against the accused who assembled in front of his gym on January 31, and a departmental inquiry against erring officials. It said these constitutional reliefs are an attempt to “sensationalise” the issue and frustrate the ongoing investigation of the impugned FIR.

Deepak has said he stood up to a group of men who were harassing a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper to drop the word “Baba” from his shop’s name on January 26. Five days later, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered to confront Deepak, but were restrained by the police.