Prashant Kanojia, journalist arrested for ‘defaming’ Yogi Adityanath, walks out of jail

The court on Tuesday, however, made it clear that proceedings against the journalist will continue in accordance with law, and observed that even courts have to bear the brunt of social media.

Delhi-based journalist Prashan Kanojia was released from Lucknow district jail in Gosaiganj area here on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court ordered his immediate release.

Kanojia has also been asked to remain present in the court whenever he is called for legal proceedings and cooperate with the police investigation. (Image sourced)

Confirming his release, senior superintendent of Lucknow Prison PN Pandey said Kanojia was released after receiving the court order. Earlier in the day, the court of chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) in-charge Sanjay Kumar allowed Kanojia’s bail plea on two personal sureties of ₹ 20,000 each in compliance with the apex court order.

The court, however, advised him to not repeat the offence and directed him to not involve himself in causing damage to any evidence or threat to any witnesses in the case.

Kanojia has also been asked to remain present in the court whenever he is called for legal proceedings and cooperate with the police investigation.

On Monday, a vacation bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Ajay Rastogi had ordered the immediate release of Kanojia.

The apex court mentioned that the decision to grant bail to Kanojia did not mean the court approved of his posts, but a “fundamental right” granted by the Constitution cannot be infringed upon by the state, it said.

The SC, however, made it clear that proceedings against the journalist will continue in accordance with law.