On Friday, the Allahabad High Court suspended Vikram Saini's (now disqualified) two-year sentence in connection with the 2013 Muzaffar Nagar riots case. At least 60 people were killed in the violence, and over 50,000 people were displaced, according to reports.

The counsel for Saini argued before the Court, seeking a suspension of his sentence, that the maximum sentence imposed on him was two years in prison, and that the trial court had extended the benefit of set-off under Section 428 Cr.P.C.

It was also claimed that he was on bail during the trial, and that soon after his conviction, he was granted interim bail by the Additional Sessions Judge, Court No. 4/Special Judge, MP/MLA Court, Muzaffarnagar under Section 389(3) Cr.P.C. It was also argued that Saini is not a previous convict, that he has been acquitted in three other criminal cases, and that only one case is pending against him in which he is facing trial.

Taking into account the submissions of Saini's counsel, the Court granted his request for bail/suspension of sentence, observed thus:

"Looking to the facts and circumstances of the case, let the appellant- Vikram Singh Saini @ Vikram Saini, be released on bail in the aforesaid case on his furnishing a personal bond with two sureties each in the like amount to the satisfaction of the court concerned."

While admitting an appeal filed by Saini challenging his conviction under IPC Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapons), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 353 assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty, 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation), the bench of Justice Samit Gopal suspended his sentence and granted him bail.

Case title: Vikram Singh Saini@ Vikar Saini v. State of U.P.

CRIMINAL APPEAL No. - 8461 of 2022

Links: https://elegalix.allahabadhighcourt.in/elegalix/WebDownloadJudgmentDocument.do