Today, the Punjab and Haryana High Court grants anticipatory bail to comedian and actor Khyali Ram, who was named in an FIR for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Maharishi Valmiki.

The bench headed by Justice Rajbir Sehrawat, granted bail with the condition that Ram cooperates fully with any investigative proceedings and complies with the provisions outlined in Section 438 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C).

The allegations against Khyali Ram stem from a press conference he held in Sri Gagananagar, Rajasthan, where he is said to have used offensive language targeting Maharishi Valmiki. Ram subsequently issued an unconditional public apology for his words. Following this incident, an FIR was filed against him on September 29, 2022, in Punjab's Amritsar district under Sections 295 and 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In response, Khyali Ram approached the High Court, asserting that the accusations against him were baseless and fabricated, vehemently denying his involvement in the alleged offense. He sought the court's intervention to challenge the charges brought against him and secure relief. 

Additionally, the argument was put forth that even if one were to consider the prosecution's allegations, the petitioner's interaction with the media was solely aimed at emphasizing the eminence and reverence associated with Maharishi Valmiki. There was no intention whatsoever to diminish his significance.

Furthermore, the contention arose that the State of Punjab lacked the jurisdiction to handle the complaint, given that the purported remarks were made within the borders of Rajasthan. However, the legal representative for the Punjab state countered this stance by asserting that the petitioner's actions, which were perceived as offensive to a particular religious community, warranted the appropriate filing of the FIR in question.

Considering the circumstances surrounding the case, the Court found it appropriate to approve anticipatory bail for the petitioner. The Court's decision entailed that if the petitioner were to be arrested, he would be released on bail provided he fulfills the requirement of presenting personal bonds or a surety, to the contentment of the Arresting or Investigating Officer.