The Uttarakhand High Court has denied bail to a 32-year-old man, Riyaz, accused of posting offensive remarks on Instagram about Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

The Court noted that the allegations in the FIR were of a "very serious" nature, particularly as the accused not only admitted to making the comments but also expressed an intention to repeat such conduct in the future.

Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, while rejecting the bail plea, observed that such actions posed an "alarming situation", stating that "nobody has a right to hurt the faith of followers of another religion."

According to the prosecution, on May 12, police officials on patrol received information from locals that the accused had been sharing derogatory content on his Instagram ID, hurting religious sentiments. Upon being questioned, Riyaz allegedly affirmed his actions and reiterated his intent to continue.

Police recovered a mobile phone from his possession, which reportedly had an active Instagram ID containing an objectionable comment posted three days prior.

He was arrested and booked under Sections 196 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Advocate Sadaf appeared for the accused, while Deputy Advocate General Pushpa Bhatt represented the State.