Kerala Sessions Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to UP Influencer in Instagram Communal Remarks Case

The Court of Sessions, Ernakulam Division, has granted anticipatory bail to Uttar Pradesh-based social media influencer Amrith Singh, also known as Amrit Singh Darren, in a criminal case arising from an Instagram video concerning Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, Kerala.

Background of the Case

According to the prosecution, Singh uploaded a video on October 22, 2026, through his Instagram account, 'littichokha_up'. The video allegedly contained remarks concerning the cafe's name, its food offerings, an artwork depicting Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the religious composition of the surrounding locality.

The prosecution alleged that the statements were capable of creating hostility between religious communities, disturbing communal harmony and affecting public peace. Following a complaint by the cafe's manager, Fort Kochi Police registered Crime No. 594/2026 on October 24, 2026, invoking Sections 353(2) and 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Arguments Before the Court

Singh approached the Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail, contending that he had visited Kerala as a tourist and that the video merely documented his personal experiences. His counsel argued that the content did not target any particular religious community and that no violence or communal unrest had resulted from the video.

Opposing the application, the prosecution submitted that custodial interrogation was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the video, examine the devices used and determine whether similar content had been recorded. It also expressed concerns regarding possible interference with witnesses and the investigation.

Court's Observations and Decision

Sessions Judge K.K. Balakrishnan noted that the accused had no reported criminal antecedents. The Court considered that the prosecution's objections could sufficiently be addressed through appropriate bail conditions rather than custodial detention.

Accordingly, the Court granted anticipatory bail in Amrith Singh v. State of Kerala, B.A. No. 2439/2026, subject to the following conditions:

  • The accused must appear before the investigating officer on or before November 17, 2026.
  • In the event of arrest after interrogation, he must be released on a bail bond of ₹50,000 with two solvent sureties.
  • He must cooperate with the investigation and appear whenever directed in writing.
  • He must not tamper with evidence or influence or intimidate witnesses.
  • He must not involve himself in any other offence.

Legal Significance

The order highlights the role of anticipatory bail in protecting personal liberty while ensuring that criminal investigations proceed effectively. The Court's decision demonstrates that the absence of criminal antecedents and the possibility of addressing investigative concerns through conditions may be relevant considerations when deciding a pre-arrest bail application.

Importantly, the grant of anticipatory bail does not determine whether the alleged Instagram content constitutes an offence under the BNS. The allegations remain subject to investigation and further judicial proceedings.

Case: Amrith Singh v. State of Kerala
Case Number: B.A. No. 2439/2026
Crime Number: 594/2026, Fort Kochi Police Station
Court: Court of Sessions, Ernakulam Division
Judge: K.K. Balakrishnan
Date of Order: November 6, 2026