On Monday, the Gauhati High Court granted interim bail to Mahbubul Hoque, a veteran educationist and Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), who was arrested in connection with the Dhekiajuli case following a targeted campaign by the BJP-ruled state government.
The court observed that “it is seen that the petitioner has made out a strong ground for grant of bail.”
However, in the interest of justice, the court deemed it necessary to review the Case Diary before making a final determination.
Justice Mitali Thakuria, while granting interim bail to the petitioner, imposed conditions requiring full cooperation with the investigation, mandatory appearance before the Investigating Officer when required, and a strict prohibition on making any inducement, threat, or promise to influence individuals acquainted with the case “to dissuade him from disclosing such facts.”
Additionally, the bail will be granted upon furnishing a surety amounting to Rs. 50,000 along with a surety of an equal amount.
The bail order accessed by Maktoob does not specify an exact number of days for the interim bail. It is granted until the next hearing date (09.04.2025).
Senior advocate A. M. Bora appeared for Mr. Hoque, while Additional Public Prosecutor D. Das represented the state.
Mahbubul Hoque, a veteran social worker, was arrested by the Assam police in February from his residence in Guwahati under Sections 318(4)/316(5)/336(3) of the BNS and Section 11(1) of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
According to the police, a “law and order” situation erupted at the Central Public School in the Patharkandi area of Sribhumi district on Friday during the CBSE Class 12 physics examination.
The arrest comes days after Hoque and his institute were at the receiving end of several hate campaigns by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, including allegations of ‘flood jihad.’
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that some students were promised higher marks in their CBSE examination by Hoque.
“Assam Police is enquiring into the matter, and a case has been registered. This is a serious matter, and we seek cooperation from all concerned,” he said.
The arrest has been widely criticized, with many calling it yet another instance of the Assam government targeting Muslims out of vendetta.
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