Supporting Pakistan in Sports Not Offence Under BNS Section 152: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has held that merely supporting Pakistan, without referencing India or any specific incident, doesn't attract Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalises actions against India’s sovereignty.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal made the observation while granting bail to 18-year-old Riyaz, who had posted an Instagram story supporting Pakistan in sports.

The Court noted that free speech must be protected and cautioned against the misuse of stringent laws like Section 152.

The court noted that while the post might attract Section 196 BNS, no preliminary inquiry had been conducted before action was taken; hence, bail was granted.