On Saturday, a Delhi court granted bail to Delhi University professor Ratan Lal, who was arrested on Friday over a social media post allegedly intended to offend religious beliefs following the alleged discovery of a ‘Shivling’ inside the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi, on the condition that he post a bond of 50,000 rupees and provide surety in the same amount. Lal was taken to the Tis Hazari Court, where he was granted bail.

On the basis of a complaint filed by a Delhi-based lawyer, a FIR was filed against Lal, a Hindu College associate professor, on Tuesday night. Advocate Vineet Jindal filed a complaint alleging that the professor had recently shared a “derogatory, inciting, and provocative tweet on the Shivling.”

He was charged under Indian Penal Code Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintaining harmony) and 295A (promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language (deliberate act to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion).

Left-wing activists from the All India Students Association (AISA) protested outside Delhi University’s Arts Faculty on Saturday against the arrest of a Hindu College associate professor.

“Stop attacking our teachers,” “Stop stifling democratic voices,” and “Release professor Ratan Lal” were among the placards held by the student activists.

During the protest, there was a large police presence. In addition to the district police, four companies from an outside force, including women, have been deployed, according to police.

Lal had previously stated that he had simply asked a question as a history student. “Anything can cause harm to people.” Academic debate cannot be ignored because of perceived harm. I had simply inquired as to whether the so-called shivling was broken or cut. Mullahs and Pandits don’t have to say anything about it. “This question should be answered by an art historian,” Lal said.