Ajeet Bharti’s Arrest Protection Plea Rejected By High Court In SC/ST Act Case Amid FIR Controversy

The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to grant immediate protection from arrest to YouTuber Ajeet Bharti in a case registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, commonly known as the SC/ST Act. The case relates to alleged remarks made by Bharti against parliamentarian and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) leader Chandrashekhar Azad. Bharti had approached the high court seeking protection from arrest in connection with the case. The court, however, refused to provide immediate relief, leaving the proceedings to continue under the applicable legal process.

The case was registered following allegations concerning remarks made by Bharti against Azad. The SC/ST Act provides specific legal protections against offences involving members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with provisions dealing with alleged acts and statements covered under the legislation. In Bharti’s case, the allegations have resulted in the registration of a case under the Act. The high court’s refusal to grant immediate arrest protection does not by itself determine whether the allegations against the YouTuber are established. The matter remains subject to the ongoing judicial and investigative process.

Chandrashekhar Azad, who is the president of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), is also a parliamentarian. The allegations involving Bharti concern remarks directed at Azad, and the case has been registered under the SC/ST Act. The legislation contains provisions intended to address offences against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and cases registered under it can have significant legal consequences for an accused person. Bharti’s plea before the Delhi High Court sought protection from arrest while the case proceeds, but the court did not grant the immediate protection sought on Monday.

Also Read: Reservation Hatao Andolan Says Centre Agrees to Talks, Stir Continues

The high court’s decision means Bharti does not receive the immediate safeguard against arrest that he had sought through his petition. The police investigation and other legal proceedings can consequently continue in accordance with the law. A request for protection from arrest is distinct from the question of whether an accused person is ultimately guilty or not guilty of the allegations. The court’s refusal at this stage therefore does not amount to a final finding on the merits of the case. The allegations against Bharti remain allegations unless and until they are established through the appropriate legal proceedings.

The case has drawn attention because it involves a prominent online commentator and a sitting parliamentarian who heads a political party. Remarks made by public figures and online personalities can result in legal proceedings when authorities allege that they fall within the scope of specific criminal laws. In this case, the allegations have been dealt with under the SC/ST Act, bringing the matter before the Delhi High Court after Bharti sought protection from arrest. The court’s decision on Monday represents an interim development in the case rather than a final resolution of the allegations.

With the Delhi High Court declining immediate arrest protection, the legal proceedings against Bharti will continue. The case concerns alleged remarks against Chandrashekhar Azad and has been registered under the SC/ST Act. Bharti remains entitled to pursue the legal remedies available to him as the case progresses, while the allegations will be examined through the judicial process. The court’s decision at this stage concerns only the request for immediate protection from arrest and does not establish the guilt of the accused. Further developments will depend on the investigation, subsequent court proceedings and any additional orders passed in the matter.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Upholds Passport Denial Following Adverse Police Verification Report