BJP leader P C George surrendered before the Erattupetta court in Kottayam district on Monday in connection with a case related to an alleged hate speech.
His surrender came after the Kerala High Court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail, paving the way for the police to take him into custody.
A senior police officer confirmed to reporters that they had received information about George appearing before the court. “We have received information that George has appeared before the court,” the officer stated while addressing the media.
George’s decision to surrender followed increased legal pressure as authorities intensified their efforts to take him into custody.
The former MLA had earlier requested the police to grant him time until February 24 to appear for the ongoing investigation into the hate speech case. However, his request was not accepted.
On Saturday, the Kerala High Court dismissed George’s anticipatory bail plea, stating that granting bail in such a matter would set a dangerous precedent and send the wrong message to society.
The court’s observation underscored the seriousness of the allegations against him and emphasized the need for accountability in cases that could potentially incite communal disharmony.
The allegations stem from a speech George delivered during a discussion on a television channel, in which he is accused of making remarks against a minority community.
The complaint against him was lodged by Muhamed Shihab, a leader of the Muslim Youth League, who claimed that George’s comments were capable of provoking religious discord.
George initially sought legal relief from the Kottayam District Sessions Court, which denied his anticipatory bail request.
Following this rejection, he moved to the Kerala High Court, where he faced another legal setback with his plea being dismissed.
He has been charged under Sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act.
These charges relate to offenses concerning statements that could incite communal enmity and disturb public peace.
With his surrender, legal proceedings are expected to progress further, and authorities will determine the next course of action regarding his judicial custody and further investigation into the case.
The incident has sparked discussions on the consequences of hate speech and the importance of legal frameworks to curb communal discord.
