Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 2: The Supreme Court on Tuesday formally disposed of a plea for anticipatory bail filed by Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya, following his public apology for a controversial social media post that allegedly mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an RSS figure.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria confirmed its earlier order protecting Malviya from arrest, making it absolute with the condition that he continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation by Madhya Pradesh Police.

The case stems from a caricature Malviya shared on April 1, 2025, showing an RSS figure in a compromising position alongside the Prime Minister, paired with provocative commentary referencing caste and religious sentiments. The post sparked backlash, leading to charges against him for spreading "indecent" content.

During initial hearings, the court criticised Malviya’s conduct as “inflammatory” and “immature.” Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Malviya, later informed the court that the post would be deleted and that Malviya was prepared to issue a clarification.

In a formal affidavit and a public statement, Malviya expressed “deep remorse” and unequivocally apologised, stating that he had no intention of hurting any sentiments or inciting disharmony. He also undertook not to post or repost any similar content on social media.

With these assurances and the apology on record, the Supreme Court ended the proceedings, effectively closing the matter without allowing coercive action against the cartoonist.