The Allahabad High Court has refused bail to a journalist accused of extortion and spreading hate speech against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Amit Maurya allegedly demanded money from the vice president of the Purvanchal Truck Owners Association and threatened to publish damaging articles about him. He is also accused of using social media platforms to spread hate speech against public figures, including Modi and Adityanath, as well as making derogatory remarks about religious figures.

An FIR was filed against him at the Lalpur Police Station in Varanasi. Justice Manju Rani Chauhan, while rejecting the bail plea, stated that “Exploiting one’s position in the media landscape to extract benefits or coerce individuals through threats tarnishes the integrity of journalism.”

The court condemned the use of personal remarks and abusive language against individuals, especially public figures like the prime minister or a chief minister, describing them as reprehensible and contrary to the principles of civil discourse.

While acknowledging the importance of dissent and criticism in a democratic society, the court emphasized that they must be expressed in a manner that respects dignity and upholds civility. It distinguished between legitimate dissent and the propagation of abusive language and hatred, warning that the latter poses a serious threat to social cohesion and undermines the values of tolerance and respect for diversity.

The court stressed that upholding secular principles is not only a constitutional obligation but also a moral imperative for preserving India’s democratic values. Regarding the allegations against the accused journalist, the court remarked that he misused his position in the media for coercion while pretending to be a journalist.