Wed Mar 12 16:32:08 UTC 2025: ## Kolhapur Court Grants Journalist Temporary Relief in Hate Speech Case
**MUMBAI, March 12, 2025** – A Kolhapur court has granted temporary relief to former journalist Prashant Koratkar, accused of threatening historian Indrajeet Sawant and making derogatory remarks against Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj. The court ruled that Mr. Koratkar does not need to appear in person for the hearing, rejecting a state government request for his physical presence. The final bail application will be heard on March 17.
Mr. Koratkar, a Nagpur resident, was booked under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly promoting enmity between groups based on an audio recording of a conversation with Mr. Sawant. He had previously received interim protection from arrest on March 1, with conditions requiring police appearance and surrender of his mobile phone. The state government challenged this order, arguing a lack of cooperation from the journalist and alleging evidence destruction. Mr. Koratkar’s lawyers cited security concerns for his inability to appear in person. The opposing lawyer argued that Mr. Koratkar forfeited his right to bail due to non-compliance with prior court orders.
First Piper 