In a significant legal development, the Chhattisgarh High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a man accused of using a derogatory term for a state cabinet minister in a WhatsApp message. The case revolves around the alleged use of the slang "Guru Ghantaal" for Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, a figure revered by the Satnami community.
The Case and the Alleged Offence
The petitioner, identified as Jeevan Dewangan, was booked under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. The order notes that the incident occurred following a dispute involving two Anganwadi workers. Dewangan allegedly circulated a message in the "BJP Mandal Thelkadih" WhatsApp group on or about November 13, 2025, where he used the term for the minister.
The complainants, followers of the minister, stated the remark was abusive, indecent, and derogatory, intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of the Satnami community. It was further alleged that the accused later deleted the message from the group.
Legal Arguments and Court's Decision
Advocate Siddharth Pandey, representing Dewangan, argued for his innocence, claiming false implication. He contended that the message was made in the context of an administrative or personal dispute and was not related to any religious practice or deity. He also cited that the petitioner's two prior criminal antecedents were disposed of and that the investigation and trial would take a long time, thus praying for bail.
Opposing the bail application, Advocate Bharat Gulbani, for the state, reiterated the allegations. After hearing both sides, Justice Ramesh Sinha granted anticipatory bail to the accused.
Profile of the Minister and Community Impact
The complainant in the case was the District Satnami Samaj Khairagarh. In their written complaint to the superintendent of police, they asserted that the remark caused deep insult and distress, hurting communal feelings, and requested strict legal action against Dewangan, whom they claimed had a prior criminal image.
The minister at the centre of the case, Guru Khushwant Saheb, is an MLA from the Arang constituency and currently serves as a cabinet minister. His portfolios include Skills Development, Technical Education, Employment, and Scheduled Caste Development. He holds a position of reverence within the Satnami community, which amplified the sensitivity of the alleged offence.
This case highlights the evolving legal challenges surrounding free speech, digital communication, and the protection of religious sentiments in India. The court's decision to grant anticipatory bail underscores the judicial balancing act between preventing pre-trial detention and addressing serious allegations of offending religious communities.
