Judicial Crossroads: Prashant Koratkar's Anticipatory Bail Dilemma

The Bombay High Court instructed the Kolhapur sessions court to decide on anticipatory bail for former journalist Prashant Koratkar, accused of derogatory remarks against historical figures. Koratkar seeks bail fearing arrest, with arguments over evidence tampering and investigation non-cooperation at the forefront.

The Bombay High Court has directed the Kolhapur sessions court to decide on the anticipatory bail plea of former journalist Prashant Koratkar. Koratkar faces allegations of making offensive remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son. The sessions court has been instructed to consider the case based on its merits.

Koratkar is accused of threatening historian Indrajeet Sawant and registered under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly promoting enmity. Fearing arrest, he has requested bail from the sessions court. Interim protection from arrest was granted, but the state contested due to concerns about evidence tampering and non-cooperation.

Issues arose when Koratkar sent his mobile phone via his wife, with crucial data reportedly missing. Although the sessions court directed him to appear, Koratkar's defense argues for a virtual appearance citing security concerns. The court will deliberate his required presence on Wednesday.