New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday granted interim bail to a couple accused of making racist comments and abusing women from the northeast in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.
According to court records, the Saket Court allowed Ruby Jain alias Neeraj Jain and Harsh Priya Singh to remain on interim bail until April 13. The order came from Additional Sessions Judge Samar Vishal.
The court accepted an undertaking from the accused that they would vacate their residence by March 31 or earlier. The court said this condition would prevent any possible confrontation between the accused and the complainants who live nearby.
Court comments on accused behaviour
While granting interim bail, the court said the conduct of the couple was condemnable. However, the judge said that keeping them in continuous custody at this stage would not serve any useful purpose.
The court also put safeguards in place to ensure that the investigation proceeds smoothly. It directed that the accused must not try to influence or threaten the complainants or any witnesses involved in the case.
The court said the accused must follow the law during the bail period.
Allegations made by Delhi Police
According to Delhi Police, the dispute took place when the accused argued with their neighbours over construction work. Police said that instead of settling the issue peacefully, the couple started abusing the victims and an electrician present at the site.
Investigators said the accused made racially offensive remarks about women from the Northeast and insulted them publicly during the argument.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Ruby Jain also faced charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Court on impact of identity-based insults
During the hearing, the court said that even if no physical violence occurred, insults based on caste or identity can cause deep harm.
The judge said such speech damages the broader values of fraternity and respect that hold together India’s diverse society.
The court stated that prejudiced speech weakens national unity and harms the principle that human dignity is equal and indivisible. It added that language mocking a person’s identity or heritage reflects a lack of restraint and civic sensitivity.
Dispute between neighbours triggered case
The case relates to a dispute between the accused couple and their neighbours who belong to Scheduled Tribe communities from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
According to the prosecution, the argument started on February 21 when an air conditioner was installed on the fourth floor where the victims lived as tenants. Dust and drilling debris from the installation fell onto the lower floor where the accused couple lived, which led to the confrontation.