Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 12: A sessions court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, who was booked by Marine Drive police over his controversial remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The court directed Azmi to appear before the police on March 12, 13, and 15 for investigation.

The controversy erupted on March 3 when Azmi referred to Aurangzeb as a ‘good administrator’, claiming that under his rule, India’s borders extended to Afghanistan and Burma, and that India was known as the golden sparrow. He further stated that Aurangzeb had destroyed both temples and mosques.

Following his remarks, an FIR was lodged in Thane based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, alleging that Azmi's comments hurt religious sentiments. The case was later transferred to Marine Drive police station in Mumbai.

Azmi’s bail plea, filed through advocate Mubin Solkar, argued that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Hindu rulers and that his statement was based on historical accounts. He alleged that political opponents were trying to target him for political gains.

The court granted bail with conditions, directing Azmi not to tamper with evidence and to cooperate with the investigation. The Marine Drive police had booked him under sections 299, 302, and 356(1) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.