A Delhi court on September 7, 2026, rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by YouTuber and political commentator Ajeet Bharti in connection with a case registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The matter was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler of the Patiala House Courts. Bharti had approached the court seeking pre-arrest protection after an FIR was lodged against him over alleged caste-related remarks made during a YouTube programme discussing reservation policies and related social issues.
According to reports, the complaint stemmed from comments allegedly made during an August 2026 broadcast. The complainant alleged that the remarks were casteist, abusive, and objectionable, attracting provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
During the hearing, Bharti's counsel argued that no caste-based slur had been used and contended that the comments were made in response to provocation. The defence also submitted that the investigating agency primarily sought access to electronic evidence and that custodial interrogation was unnecessary.
The Delhi Police opposed the plea, arguing that the application was not maintainable and that registration of an FIR did not automatically imply arrest. After considering the submissions, the court declined to grant anticipatory bail. A detailed order is awaited.
The case highlights the continuing judicial scrutiny of online speech and the application of the SC/ST Act to digital content. It also underscores the balance courts seek to maintain between freedom of expression and statutory protections against caste-based discrimination and abuse.