A couple of weeks ago, I posted an update to the story of Sanal Edamaruku, head of the Indian based Rationalist International, who has been forced into hiding in Finland.
In case you forgot, Sanal had debunked a supposed “miracle” at a Catholic church in Mumbai and faced arrest for “deliberately hurting religious feelings.” Sanal has said repeatedly that he would welcome being charged and put on trial as it would be a chance to put some of his accusers and officials of the Church and Diocese on the witness stand.

This issue at stake is the notion of “anticipatory bail.” Sanal is basically seeking assurances that when he is arrested, he will immediately be granted bail before the outcome of any trial. After the initial application for anticipatory bail was rejected by the court, Sanal appealed to the Mumbai High Court. This appeal has now also been rejected.
In the last two days, police have arrived at his home in Delhi to serve a new arrest warrant and demand information on his whereabouts. Had he been home, he would be in jail right now, and a single day in jail is a day too long for Sanal.
Yesterday, this message was published on Sanal’s website:
This morning, officers of the Delhi Police reached Sanal Edamaruku’s house to arrest him. They came upon directions of a Delhi court to execute an arrest warrant issued by a Mumbai Metropolitan Magistrate Court (second highest Criminal Court). If Sanal had been at home, he would be in jail now
The officers were informed that Sanal is presently out of Delhi and traveling. They insisted on details of his whereabouts, addresses and contact numbers. Some hours later, they came again to press for information, to no avail.
…
With this dramatic turn of events, Sanal Edamaruku’s persecution has reached a dangerous new level.
New Scientist also has an excellent interview with Sanal.
(via New Humanist)
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