In a unique "punishment" for an "anti-national act" a man had to salute the Tricolour at a Bhopal police station 21 times while shouting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" on Tuesday. The "punishment" followed a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court against a man accused of raising pro-Pakistan slogans reported news agency PTI.
The accused, identified as Faizan, was ordered by the court last week to salute the Tricolour and chant the "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" slogan at Misrod police station on the first and fourth Tuesdays of every month. "In adherence to the court's ruling, Faizan visited the police station today, which marks the fourth Tuesday of the month, and saluted the flag 21 times," confirmed Manish Raj Bhadoriya, the officer in charge of the Misrod police station. The entire process was recorded on video and conducted in the presence of the media, he added.
A report on Faizan’s compliance will be submitted to the high court, with this practice set to continue throughout the duration of the legal proceedings.
In an interview with PTI, Faizan expressed regret for his actions, calling his behaviour a "big mistake". He advised others to avoid engaging in similar actions, such as making videos supporting anti-national sentiments.
Faizan, also known as Faizal, was taken into custody earlier this year after a case was filed at Misrod police station in May. He was charged under Section 153B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for statements that threatened national unity, following the circulation of a video where he could be heard shouting pro-Pakistan slogans.
In an October 15 ruling, Justice D K Paliwal said that Faizan could be granted bail under conditions aimed at fostering a sense of responsibility and patriotism. The prosecution argued that the slogans he shouted promoted discord and undermined the maintenance of peace and national integrity.