Retired Army Man Who Made Derogatory Remarks Against Judiciary Over Hijab Verdict Gets Bail

Last Updated:July 24, 2025, 15:48 IST

Palai Rafi had criticised the judgment to prohibit hijab at educational institutions and allegedly made offensive comments about the judges and political leaders who supported it.

Rafi had earlier been granted anticipatory bail in July 2022 by the same court, following an unconditional apology, but was arrested after failing to comply with the bail conditions. (Image: Shutterstock)

The Madras High Court has granted bail to a retired Army man arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the judiciary during a 2022 protest over the hijab verdict.

Palai Rafi, 60, was arrested on June 20 in connection with a public meeting held in Tirunelveli on March 20, 2022, where participants protested a court ruling prohibiting hijab in educational institutions. According to the FIR, Rafi, one of the speakers, criticised the judgment and allegedly made offensive comments about the judges and political leaders who supported it.

He was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 153A (promoting enmity), 504 (intentional insult), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), among others.

Justice P Vadamalai, granting bail on July 18, observed that the co-accused in the case had been granted anticipatory bail and no objection was raised by the police at that time. Court noted that the petitioner is a senior citizen and that there had been no incidents reported following the speech.

Rafi had earlier been granted anticipatory bail in July 2022 by the same court, following an unconditional apology, but was arrested after failing to comply with the bail conditions.

The high court said further custody was not warranted as the investigation appeared complete and the petitioner had already spent nearly a month in jail.

Bail was granted on execution of a Rs 25,000 bond with two sureties. Conditions include daily reporting to the local police station and non-interference with the investigation. Court added that breach of conditions could result in cancellation of bail and fresh proceedings.

The matter stems from a series of FIRs registered during protests in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere following the Karnataka High Court’s decision upholding restrictions on hijab in classrooms.

Salil Tiwari

Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr...Read More

Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr...

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