Hate speech case: No bail for PC George; remanded until March 10

Kottayam: BJP leader and former MLA P.C. George has been remanded in judicial custody over the alleged hate speech. 

Earlier today, the court rejected his bail plea and ordered his remand until March 10.

The Eratupetta court had granted police custody of George until 6 PM. While the police had sought a two-day custody, the court only approved a four-hour custody. The court had directed that George be presented before the magistrate again after the custody period ended. 

Initially, it was indicated that George's bail plea would be considered after the custody period ended, but the court took up the plea earlier and rejected it.

George appeared before the Erattupetta Munsif Magistrate Court at around 11.05 am. The case was taken up for consideration at 12.30 pm, followed by arguments from both sides.

After hearing the submissions, the court adjourned the case for further consideration at 2 pm.

George's lawyer argued that he did not incite religious hatred or hurt religious sentiments, asserting that there was no need for custodial interrogation or evidence collection.

The prosecution, however, submitted details of George's previous cases, stating that he had violated bail conditions and should be questioned in custody.

They contended that his remarks were made in a manner that hurt religious sentiments.

George surrendered after the police arrived to take him into custody after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea.

On Saturday, George had requested an extension until February 24 to appear before the police for investigation in connection with the hate speech case.

The High Court dismissed his petition, observing that granting bail in such a case would send the wrong message to society.

George, a former MLA, was accused of delivering a hate speech against a minority community during a TV channel discussion.