Gujarat Resident Faces Legal Action for Allegedly Critical Facebook Post Regarding RSS

In a significant development, the Rajkot Police of Gujarat took into custody Mr. Vinod Gheravda, President of the Upleta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Friday. The arrest comes in response to an allegedly critical post on Facebook attributed to Mr. Gheravda, which is said to target the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Vinod Gheravda Presented Before Court and Granted Bail Following Arrest: Legal Update

Vinod Gheravda, who had been apprehended by the authorities in relation to a Facebook post deemed critical of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was formally presented before the court on Saturday. Subsequently, the court granted him bail, marking a significant turn of events in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Arrest Stemming from Complaint Filed by RSS President: Basis for Detention

The arrest of Vinod Gheravda has its origins in a complaint filed by Kaushal Parmar, the President of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the Upleta taluka within the Rajkot district. This complaint laid the foundation for the legal action taken against Gheravda, exemplifying the interplay between individual expressions and their potential consequences within the socio-political landscape.

Alleged Social Media Post Prompts FIR: Accusations of Vulgarity and Offense

An incident involving Vinod Gheravda’s online activities has led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Upleta police station. The FIR indicates that Gheravda’s social media post allegedly contained content that could be characterized as “vulgar,” thereby negatively affecting the legacy of RSS founder Dr. Keshav Hedgewar and causing offense to the sensibilities of multiple individuals.

Per Complaint, Gheravda Allegedly Shared Controversial Content on Facebook

As per the complaint filed, Vinod Gheravda stands accused of sharing a contentious post on Facebook in Hindi: “Jo nidar the wo jung me gaye, jo kayar the woh sangh me gaye” (the brave went to the battlefield, the cowards joined the Sangh). The content, cited in the complaint, has raised concerns and led to legal action due to its potential implications and impact on sentiments.

Kaushal Parmar, the complainant in this case, has asserted that Vinod Gheravda’s Facebook post was designed with the intention to stir “unrest, fear, and confusion.” Parmar’s claim emphasizes the alleged purpose behind the post and underpins the allegations of the content’s potential to incite discord and unease within the community.

Gheravda Faces Charges under Sections of IPC and IT Act

Vinod Gheravda is currently facing charges under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act (IT Act). These charges encompass a range of allegations related to his online activities and their potential impact on various aspects of social and digital interactions.

Specific Charges:

Gheravda’s legal situation involves charges under the following sections:

1. Section 295A: This section pertains to deliberate and malicious actions intended to outrage religious sentiments. It focuses on activities that may incite hostility or create disturbances related to religious feelings.
2. Section 505: This section deals with statements that are conducive to public mischief. It addresses instances where expressions could lead to disruptions in societal order or communal harmony.
3. Section 67: This section of the Information Technology Act addresses the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form. It pertains to content that is deemed inappropriate or offensive within the digital realm.

Initial Interrogation Reveals Gheravda’s Account

During the initial stages of interrogation, Vinod Gheravda reportedly shared his version of events with the authorities. He indicated that he had received the controversial post from an external source and posted it on Facebook unintentionally. Gheravda further stated that he promptly removed the post upon realizing his error. A representative from the Upleta police station provided insight into the ongoing investigation.