Kerala Hindutva ideologue T.G. Mohandas granted bail in case over derogatory remarks against student protesters

On Monday, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram granted bail to Hindutva ideologue T.G. Mohandas in a case involving alleged derogatory remarks he made against student protesters in a YouTube video. Mr. Mohandas was arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram Cybercrime Police earlier in the day and brought to the court from Kochi, where he was held in custody since Sunday evening.

The court mandated that he appear before the investigating officer for three consecutive days and cooperate fully with the investigation. Additionally, the accused was required to report to the police as needed.

The police cited various provisions, such as Sections 192 and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 66 of the IT Act, and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act against Mr. Mohandas. These charges included wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot, conducting a statement that incited public mischief, computer-related offenses, and causing nuisance through communication means. Additional accusations were also made related to insults aimed at a woman's modesty and criminal intimidation.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution opposed granting bail, claiming that the accused was influential and might sway witnesses or tamper with evidence if released. Conversely, the defense argued in favor of bail, citing Mr. Mohandas' age and health condition, and maintaining that the charges against him were bailable. The police had seized Mr. Mohandas' laptop and mobile phone for investigative purposes.

Following his medical examination, Mr. Mohandas was brought before the court, where SFI activists protested by unfurling a black flag. The police took security measures around the court to prevent potential demonstrations, but the protest remained peaceful.