The Bombay High Court denied anticipatory bail to a Pune schoolteacher accused of sharing inflammatory WhatsApp content, including a burning national flag and derogatory remarks about the Prime Minister. Justice R.N. Laddha held that such acts could disturb public order and communal harmony, warranting custodial investigation. Citing relevant BNS provisions and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, the court stressed that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions. It also emphasized teachers’ heightened responsibility as role models, noting that anticipatory bail is an exceptional remedy not justified in this case.
