Uttarakhand HC Stays Arrest in Political Rivalry Case

The Uttarakhand High Court has temporarily halted the arrest of Harish Dubey, former Sitarganj Municipal Council chairman, over accusations of hurting religious sentiments. The court has ordered the state government to respond within three weeks. Dubey claims the allegations stem from political rivalry and involve a tampered video.

The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a temporary stay on the arrest of Harish Dubey, the former chairman of the Sitarganj Municipal Council, who faces accusations of hurting religious sentiments. The court has further instructed the state government to present its response within a three-week timeframe.

Dubey approached the court in an effort to quash the FIR filed against him, which was lodged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Deepak Gupta. Justice Ashish Naithani has scheduled the next hearing for February 20, 2026, and urged Dubey to cooperate with the investigation process.

Dubey contends that the case is a result of political rivalry, alleging that a tampered video is being circulated. The court has also issued a notice to councillor Gupta and maintained the stay on Dubey's arrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)