The Supreme Court granted bail to former Gossaigaon College professor Md Joynal Abedin, who was arrested in May for posting allegedly anti-India content on social media. The court, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, clarified that the bail should not be seen as a reason for his reinstatement at the college. Abedin is facing two additional criminal cases: one for allegedly molesting female students and another for making obscene remarks about them online. The court reiterated its previous remarks labeling him as “a pervert” and “a threat to young girls,” emphasizing that these concerns remained relevant given the ongoing allegations.
Considering Abedin’s six months in custody and the improbability of a quick trial resolution, the court ordered his release on bail contingent upon appropriate bond conditions. He must also attend every hearing in the trial court. The Chief Justice informed the Assam government’s counsel that Abedin’s suspension from the college would remain in effect.
Previously, on November 12, the court strongly criticized Abedin, informing his legal counsel that he should be barred from campus due to his history of harassing women on social media and making inappropriate remarks. After the Gauhati High Court rejected Abedin’s bail plea, he appealed to the Supreme Court. His defense argued that he deleted the controversial post and apologized, attributing delays in the trial to the absence of a judicial officer in Gossaigaon. Noting the vacancy, the Supreme Court had previously urged the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to appoint a judicial officer or transfer the case to the Kokrajhar sessions court. Abedin was detained in mid-May following the emergence of his alleged anti-India post.