Indore: A local court in Indore has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress councillor Fauzia Sheikh Aleem, who is facing charges in connection with the controversy over allegedly refusing to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ during an Indore Municipal Corporation meeting.
Additional Sessions Judge Rupesh Nayak dismissed the plea after examining the case records, evidence and submissions made by both sides. The court observed that a prima facie case had been registered under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly promoting enmity between different groups.
In her plea, Aleem denied the allegations and claimed that she had not refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram’. She contended that the case was politically motivated and maintained that she had been cooperating with the investigation.
Opposing the bail application, the prosecution argued that granting anticipatory bail could affect the investigation and influence witnesses. The court noted that video footage, witness statements and digital evidence formed the basis of the case against the accused.
The controversy arose during the Municipal Corporation’s budget session on April 8, when Aleem allegedly declined to sing ‘Vande Mataram’, citing religious beliefs. Another councillor, Rubina Iqbal Khan, is also accused of supporting her stand.
Following the incident, a case was registered against both councillors on April 15. However, while rejecting the anticipatory bail plea, the court directed the police to adhere to the Supreme Court’s guidelines in the Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar case while taking any action related to arrest.
The case has sparked political debate in Madhya Pradesh, with parties trading charges over the issue.
