Delhi Court directs Police to not take any coercive steps against Vinod Dua in connection with FIR for his YouTube show

A Delhi Court today directed the Delhi Police to not take any coercive steps against journalist Vinod Dua in connection with an FIR for his YouTube show. (Vinod Dua vs State).The protection is subject to Dua joining and cooperating in the investigation..The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Vineeta Goyal while considering Dua's application under Section 438 CrPC for anticipatory bail..Earlier this month, an FIR was lodged against Vinod Dua by the Crime Branch, Delhi Police under Section 290/505/505(2) IPC. .As per the FIR, on his YouTube show called "The Vinod Dua Show", Dua on March 11 allegedly made certain remarks against political parties and their leaders, which were likely to provoke breach of peace and amounted to misreporting about the role of the Central Government during the riots in Delhi. .The action of the accused (Dua) was likely to create public mischief and promote ill will among classes, the FIR alleged. .Seeking anticipatory bail in the FIR, counsel argued that Dua enjoyed the freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed under the Constitution. .It was further stated that Dua was vulnerable to COVID-19 infection as he was a senior citizen and suffered from various aliments of the heart, liver etc..The Delhi Police informed the Court that the matter was at the stage of investigation and relevant records were yet to be collected from YouTube. .It, however, conceded that no custodial interrogation was required..In view of the above, while asking Dua to cooperation with the investigation, the Court directed Delhi Police to take no coersive action till the next date of hearing..I have considered the above submisisons annd considering the undertaking given by the accused/applicant to cooperate in the investigation, submissions made by the IO that no custodial interrogation is required and further considering the medical condition of the accused/applicant, in light of the prevailing pandemic situation, the accused/applicant is hereby directed to join the investigation and also to cooperate with the IO during the investigation and on his such joining the investigation, no coersive steps to be taken by the IO against the accused/applicant till the adjourned date.Delhi Court.The matter would be heard next on June 29..Advocates Sandeep Deshmukh and Vatsalya Vigya..State was represented by APP Anil Kumar..Read the Order: