Karnataka HC Grants Bail to Woman Arrested for Shouting ‘Jai Bangla’ During Demolition Drive in Bengaluru [Read Order]

Karnataka: The High Court of Karnataka has granted bail to a 25-year-old woman from West Bengal who was arrested for shouting the slogan “Jai Bangla” during a demolition drive at Hulimangala Podu Village, Jigani Hobli, Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru, in January 2026.

The Court took note of the fact that the woman had been instigated to shout “Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai” by a person present at the spot, and that she subsequently shouted the said slogan thrice after her initial utterance. The Court found it appropriate to grant bail with conditions sufficient to address the prosecution’s apprehensions.

Justice S. Rachaiah of the High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru allowed the bail petition filed by the petitioner, Smt. Sarbanu Khatun, who had been in judicial custody since January 12, 2026.

The case arose from an incident on January 11, 2026, where authorities were clearing unauthorised huts constructed on government land. The demolition operation was being recorded on video. During the process, the petitioner was asked to shout “Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Instead, she first shouted “Jai Bangla” and thereafter proceeded to shout “Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai” three times. A case was registered by Hebbagodi Police Station based on a social media video of the incident against an unknown woman, on the ground that the slogan she raised was intended to hurt the sentiments of Indians and undermine national unity and sovereignty. The petitioner was subsequently identified and arrested the following day.

The case was registered under Sections 152, 196, 197(1), and 353(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The petitioner was the sole accused in Crime No. 23/2026 of Hebbagodi Police Station. Her bail application before the IV Additional Civil Judge and JMFC, Anekal, had earlier been rejected.

Before the High Court, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that she is a permanent resident of West Bengal working as a housemaid at Prestige Cass Villa, Hebbagodi. It was argued that she had no intention to hurt the feelings or sentiments of Indians and that she may have uttered the slogan in order to avoid further conflict when she was provoked. It was further submitted that she is a young woman with two minor children who depend on her care.

The State, represented by the High Court Government Pleader, opposed the bail application. The prosecution argued that the slogan was inherently hurtful to the sentiments of Indians, and that given her permanent residence in West Bengal, there was a real risk of her absconding if she were released.

The Court, after hearing both sides and perusing the complaint, noted the circumstances under which the slogan was uttered, particularly that it was preceded by instigation from a person present at the site and followed by the petitioner shouting “Jai Bharat Mata Ki Jai” thrice. The Court also took into account her personal circumstances, including her responsibility towards two minor children. Weighing these factors together, the Court found that granting bail with appropriate conditions was the right course.

The petitioner was directed to be enlarged on bail upon executing a personal bond of Rs. 1,00,000 with one local surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the Trial Court.

She was directed not to commit any similar offence until disposal of the case, to appear before the Trial Court on all hearing dates, and not to tamper with prosecution witnesses.

The Court also clarified that the prosecution would be at liberty to seek cancellation of bail in the event any of the conditions were violated.

Case Title: Smt. Sarbanu Khatun v. State of Karnataka by Hebbagodi Police Station (Criminal Petition No. 2317 of 2026)

[Read Order]