Dr. Kafeel Khan, a pediatrician, faced criminal charges for his speech during the 2019 Anti-CAA protests at Aligarh Muslim University. The FIR, initially filed under IPC Section 153A (promoting enmity), later included Sections 153B and 505 (public mischief), alleging his remarks incited violence and disturbed public order. Police claimed his December 12 address provoked student clashes with security forces on December 13–15, resulting in property damage. Though granted bail by the Aligarh CJM on February 10, 2020, the UP government invoked the National Security Act (NSA) to extend his detention. The Allahabad High Court, in Nuzhat Perween v. State of UP (September 1, 2020), quashed the NSA order, ruling it unlawful and securing his release via habeas corpus. The case underscored debates over free speech during the anti-CAA protests and judicial safeguards against arbitrary detention.
