Jalandhar: Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has been granted conditional bail by a Jalandhar court after he surrendered in connection with the long-standing 'Behen Hogi Teri' case from 2017. The case, which involves allegations of inciting religious sentiments, saw the actor appear before the court on July 28.

The controversy dates back to April 4, 2017, when a promotional poster for the film "Behen Hogi Teri" sparked outrage. The FIR (First Information Report) was lodged against Rao, co-star Shruti Haasan, and the film's producer, director, and deputy director. The contentious image depicted Rajkummar Rao, in character, dressed as Lord Shiva, sitting casually on a motorbike with a seemingly bored expression.

Charges were filed under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Non-bailable warrants had been issued against the actor as the legal proceedings continued over the years.

Rajkummar Rao's advocate, Darshan Singh Dayal, presented a strong defence, arguing that the portrayal was purely an act of artistic expression. Dayal clarified that Rao's character in the film was part of a Jagran (religious singing) troupe, and therefore, there was no malicious intent to hurt any religious sentiments. The defence also highlighted that the film had already received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and underscored Rao's right to freedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.

While Shruti Haasan had previously been acquitted in the same case, Rajkummar Rao's surrender on Monday paved the way for him to be granted conditional bail, bringing a significant development to the long-pending legal matter. The specifics of the conditional bail were not immediately released.