His lawyers had argued that his custodial interrogation was not required and the offences he was booked for carried jail terms of less than seven years, therefore, he can be granted anticipatory bail.

The High Court, however, rejected the contentions, saying that non-requirement of custodial interrogation or maximum jail term in a case being less than seven years would not result in grant of anticipatory bail in a routine manner.

“The antecedents of the accused and the seriousness of the allegations are also important aspects to be considered by the court,” it said.

The High Court further said that on perusing the video of the comments made by George, prima facie a case under sections 196 and 299 of the BNS was made out.

He had approached the High Court after the Kottayam District Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory plea in a case registered by the Erattupetta police, based on a complaint lodged by Muhamed Shihab, a Muslim Youth League leader, for allegedly making remarks that could incite religious hatred.

He was booked under sections 196(1)(a) and 299 of the BNS, as well as section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act.