Indian court drops charges against Muslim doctor over 2019 speech

A high court in northern India quashed on Thursday criminal proceedings against a Muslim doctor who spoke against controversial legislation in the country in 2019.

A single-judge bench at the Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh state dropped the cognizance order on the grounds that an earlier decision to jail Kafeel Khan had not been given by the appropriate authorities.

In a video message circulated on social media, Khan thanked his lawyers and the judiciary for the decision.

"The court's decision has restored my faith in judiciary. I was sure that the decision will come in my favor as I have not done anything wrong,” said Khan.

Khan allegedly delivered a "provocative speech" at the Aligarh Muslim University in December, 2019 during protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, which allows fast-track Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from three neighboring countries.

The court at that time had said the Khan's speech does not promote hatred or violence.

Khan was arrested in January 2020 in the Indian financial capital Mumbai before he was granted bail in February. But before he could be released, authorities extended his detention under the National Security Act.

Under this law, a suspect can remain under custody without charge for up to 12 months.

Khan, a pediatrician at a hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh state, made headlines when 63 children died in 2017 due to lack of oxygen. He was arrested for "medical negligence" and "corruption.” However, an inquiry cleared him of all charges.