Allahabad High Court denies bail to Tauqeer Raza in Bareilly violence case

The Allahabad High Court has denied bail to Islamic cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with violence that occurred in Bareilly in September 2025. The court's decision follows allegations that Raza was a key figure in organizing protests that resulted in rioting, damage to public property, and injuries to police personnel.

During the proceedings, the court made a legal distinction between traditional religious chants and the controversial slogan ‘Sar tan se juda’. The bench observed that while slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ or ‘Allahu Akbar’ are expressions of religious reverence, the ‘Sar tan se juda’ slogan constitutes a challenge to the authority of law, India’s sovereignty, and its integrity. The court noted that such language could incite armed rebellion and does not fall under the protections of freedom of speech.

The unrest in Bareilly reportedly began following a dispute over ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters and subsequent protests. Although Raza argued he was not present at the site of the violence, the court cited his later speeches praising the protesters as grounds for denying bail.