The Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Gossaigaon College professor Md Joynal Abedin on bail, nearly seven months after his arrest for allegedly posting anti-India content on social media. While granting the relief, the court made it unequivocally clear that the order must not be construed as grounds for his return to the college.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said Abedin continued to face two additional cases, including accusations of molesting female students and making objectionable remarks about them online. The judges noted that their earlier observations describing him as “a pervert” and “a threat to young girls” remained relevant in light of the allegations.
The bench pointed out that Abedin had spent over six months in custody and that the trial was unlikely to conclude soon. It directed his release upon furnishing bail bonds and instructed that he must be present for every hearing. The court further emphasised that the bail order could not be interpreted as justification for reinstatement at the college.
Chief Justice Kant also told counsel for the Assam government that Abedin’s suspension from his teaching post would remain in force.
The Supreme Court had previously taken a stern view of Abedin’s conduct, remarking on 12 November that he should not be permitted entry into the campus. The court had criticised his behaviour towards women after examining case materials and reiterated concerns regarding their safety.
Abedin approached the apex court after the Gauhati High Court rejected his bail plea. His counsel argued that he had deleted the contentious social media post promptly, apologised, and faced prolonged detention due to procedural delays, including the absence of a judicial officer at the Gossaigaon court.
In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had urged the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to either appoint a judicial officer to the Gossaigaon court or transfer the matter to the Kokrajhar sessions court to ensure progress in the case.
Abedin, a resident of Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district, was initially detained and later arrested in mid-May following the circulation of the disputed post.
