Imagine how many will be jailed? Supreme Court's BIG Judgement on YouTubers ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

In a big move, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the bail given to a YouTuber who was accused of making disparaging statements about MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, ruling that people who make accusations on social media platforms cannot be imprisoned.

The bench, which included Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, declared that there was no proof A Duraimurugan Sattai had abused his freedom. 

The motion to restrict Sattai's freedom to avoid making controversial statements while he was out on bail was also denied by the court. During the hearing, Justice Oka asked a critical question to Mukul Rohatgi saying, “Who would decide whether or not a statement is scandalous.”

Justice Oka raised a crucial question during the hearing, addressing Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represented the State, stating, "If before elections, we start putting behind bars everyone who makes allegations on Youtube, imagine how many will be jailed?" 

It is worth noting that Sattai approached the Supreme Court seeking justice on his plea in July 2022. Since then, the top court continued granting him bail. Sattai remained on bail for more than 2.5 years. 

In support of the State's case, Mukul Rohatgi highlighted two FIRs registered against Sattai in December 2022 and March 2023.

The ruling from the court has come just days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, voting for which will be held across seven phases starting April 19. The results will be declared on June 4.