AAP MLA Naresh Yadav Sentenced to Two Years in Quran Sacrilege Case
In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi AAP MLA Naresh Yadav has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined Rs 11,000 in connection with the 2016 Malerkotla Quran sacrilege case. While the conviction orders were issued on Friday, the sentence was pronounced today by Additional District and Sessions Judge Parminder Singh Grewal.
Conviction Follows Appeal Against Earlier Acquittal
Yadav’s conviction comes after Mohammad Ashraf, a resident of Malerkotla, successfully appealed against Yadav’s acquittal in a lower court back in March 2021. The earlier acquittal had stemmed from the police’s failure to demonstrate sufficient evidence against Yadav and another accused, Nand Kishore.
Following the discovery of torn Quran pages in Malerkotla city on June 24, 2016, a case was initially registered against Vijay Kumar and two others – Nand Kishore and Gaurav Kumar.
However, Yadav’s name was subsequently added to the case based on circumstantial evidence and testimonies provided by other accused individuals.
Two-Year Sentence for Conspiracy and Promoting Enmity
The court sentenced Yadav to two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 for an offense under Section 295 A, dealing with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. He received an identical sentence for an offense under Section 153 A, which concerns promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion. Additionally, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000 for an offense under Section 120 B, relating to criminal conspiracy.
All sentences will be served concurrently. Yadav was taken into custody immediately following the pronouncement of the conviction orders on Friday and was presented before the court again today under heavy security.
Yadav, Alongside Two Brothers, Convicted in Case
Yadav’s conviction follows the sentencing of VijayKumar and Gaurav Kumar, two brothers also involved in the case, to two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 11,000 each.
Claims of Political Motivation
After leaving the court, Yadav vehemently asserted that his involvement in the case was driven by political motivations, stating, “My implication in this case is politically motivated.”
Tensions Erupt After Blasphemous Act
The 2016 incident sparked widespread unrest in Malerkotla, a predominantly Muslim town. During the holy month of Ramzan, vehicles were set ablaze and public property vandalized by activists from various organizations. Three separate cases were filed against over 300 individuals for offenses related to hurting religious sentiments, damaging property, and assault.
Separate Controversy Involving Another AAP MLA
This development comes amidst another controversy involving an AAP MLA, Naresh Balyan from Delhi’s Uttam Nagar. Balyan was arrested on Saturday in connection with an extortion case registered last year. Police called him in for questioning, ultimately leading to his arrest, a move the AAP party vehemently termed “illegal”.
What are the potential legal repercussions for Naresh Yadav following his conviction?
## Interview Transcript
**News Anchor:** Joining us now is legal expert and political commentator, Ms. Priya Sharma, to discuss the recent sentencing of AAP MLA Naresh Yadav in the Malerkotla Quran sacrilege case. Ms. Sharma, thanks for joining us.
**Priya Sharma:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** This case has been winding through the legal system for quite some time. Can you give us a brief overview of what led to this sentencing?
**Priya Sharma:** Absolutely. This case stems from the discovery of torn Quran pages in Malerkotla back in 2016. Initially, several individuals were charged, but Mr. Yadav was later added based on circumstantial evidence and testimonies from other accused. He was acquitted in a lower court in 2021 due to insufficient evidence. However, Mohammad Ashraf, a resident of Malerkotla, appealed this decision. This led to a higher court review which ultimately resulted in Mr. Yadav’s conviction and sentencing today. [[1](https://www.thehimalayanpost.in/Malerkotla-Court-Sentences-Delhi-MLA-to-Two-Years-in-Quran-Sacrilege-Case-100885)]
**News Anchor:** This sentence comes with some serious implications. What are the potential repercussions for Mr Yadav and the Aam Aadmi Party?
**Priya Sharma:** This is a significant blow to Mr. Yadav’s career and reputation. A two-year prison sentence and fine, especially on charges related to religious sensitivity, will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. For the AAM Aadmi Party, this case could potentially damage public perception and raise questions about internal discipline and candidate vetting.
**News Anchor:** The case itself highlights a deeply sensitive issue involving religious sentiments. How do you see this playing out in the broader political and social context?
**Priya Sharma:** This case underlines the challenge of handling sensitive religious issues within the legal system. It also highlights the potential for polarization and the need for promoting religious harmony and understanding. This case will undoubtedly be scrutinized by various groups and could fuel further debate on freedom of expression and religious sensitivities.
**News Anchor:** Ms. Sharma, thank you for your insightful analysis.
**Priya Sharma:**You’re welcome.
