The Delhi High Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy in the case relating to an alleged inflammatory article written by him in a daily in July last.
Justice M.L. Mehta said that Dr. Swamy shall, in the event of his arrest, be released on furnishing a personal bond and surety of Rs. 25,000 each.
Earlier, Dr. Swamy had given an undertaking, which was appreciated by the court, that he would not write such articles in future.
The court had last week given Dr. Swamy protection against arrest till January 30.
Justice Mehta observed that while every citizen had the right to express their views in writing, it should be exercised with certain reasonable restrictions as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Delhi police had opposed Dr. Swamy's anticipatory bail plea, arguing that the charge against him was serious.
Dr. Swamy had moved the High Court on January 12 for anticipatory bail. The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police had in October last lodged the case. Dr. Swamy's counsel had argued that the case was lodged to harass him as he had exposed the 2G scam against the government.