The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on an Assam professor, Md. Joynal Abedin, who is facing charges for allegedly posting pro-Pakistan content and obscene remarks against women on social media. Hearing his bail plea, the Court remarked that the professor has a “perverted mind” and is “a threat to young girls,” noting that he has misused the internet for objectionable activities.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was dealing with Abedin’s challenge to a Gauhati High Court order that had denied him bail in July 2025 in a case registered under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for anti-national activities.

According to the prosecution, Abedin had uploaded a Facebook post declaring “we are with the brothers of Pakistani citizens” and expressing continued support for them, while also endorsing Turkey’s president’s pro-Pakistan statements. The post was allegedly made at a time when India’s relations with Pakistan were strained.

The trial court had earlier refused bail, citing that the case was still at the stage of framing charges. The Gauhati High Court, while upholding the denial, observed that the post clearly showed the petitioner’s support for Pakistan over his own country and violated the spirit of Article 51A of the Constitution, which prescribes fundamental duties of citizens. The High Court, however, permitted the trial court to reconsider bail after examining at least two prosecution witnesses.

Challenging this decision, Abedin approached the Supreme Court, claiming he had already spent 179 days in custody and was under suspension from his government college post. His counsel argued that the contentious post was deleted soon after being uploaded and that Abedin had no prior record of anti-national conduct.

The State, however, opposed the plea, pointing out that there were two FIRs against him — one under the POCSO Act — for making obscene posts against women and girls. “These are things one cannot even read in open court,” the State’s counsel told the Bench.

Visibly displeased, Justice Surya Kant rebuked the petitioner: “You have not spared children or women. You think you are above the law? You brought shame to the word ‘Professor’. You should not even be allowed to enter the college — you are a threat to young girls.”

Justice Bagchi echoed the sentiment, observing from the record that Abedin appeared to be “in the habit of misusing the internet for objectionable acts.”

The petitioner’s counsel attempted to mitigate the allegations, describing his client’s actions as “immaturity,” and mentioned that Abedin has two minor daughters. He also submitted that the trial has been delayed due to the absence of a Presiding Officer in the concerned court since May.

Granting the State one week to obtain further instructions, the Bench directed that the Gauhati High Court explore the feasibility of appointing a Presiding Officer in the relevant trial court at the earliest. Alternatively, the matter may be transferred to another competent court for expeditious hearing.

Case Title: Md. Joynal Abedin v. State of Assam, SLP (Crl) No. 12160 of 2025