Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 5: Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, was granted bail by the Supreme Court stating that prior to his arrest the procedure was not followed and termed the FIR against the comedian as 'vague'. Since January 2, Munawar Faruqui has been lodged in jail on the allegations that he made 'indecent' remarks about Hindu deities during a gig at a cafe in Indore.

"Is it correct that the Arnesh Kumar judgment rules have not been followed before arresting him? That's enough. Quite apart from the fact that the allegations contained in the FIR are quite vague, the procedure set down in our judgment has not been followed," Justice RF Nariman said.

The Supreme Court also put a stay on the production warrant issued against comedian Munawar Faruqui in case lodged in UP for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. A notice has also been issued to Madhya Pradesh Police on the bail plea filed by Munawar Faruqui. Munawar Faruqui moved the Supreme Court for bail late on Thursday, India Today reported.

Last week, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had refused bail to the comedian and noted that is one of the constitutional duties to promote harmony.

On January 2, Munawar Faruqui along with four others were arrested on following a complaint by a BJP MLA's son that objectionable remarks about Hindu deities and Union home minister Amit Shah were passed during a comedy show at a cafe in Indore on New Year's day. One more person was arrested subsequently.

Faruqui and Nalin Yadav are in judicial remand and lodged in Indore Central Jail. A magistrate's court and a sessions court rejected their bail pleas, following which they moved the high court. In its order, the high court said it would not comment on merits of the case, but based on the material seized, the witnesses' statements and considering the fact that probe was going on, no case is made out for grant of bail.

Following which, Munawar Faruqui moved the Supreme Court which granted him bail on February 5.