Tenure in Madhya Pradesh High Court
Justice Arya was appointed to the Madhya Pradesh High Court on September 12, 2013, and became a permanent judge on March 26, 2015. Over his tenure, he presided over several high-profile cases.
Bail Denied to Comedians Munawar Faruqui and Nalin Yadav
In 2021, he notably denied bail to comedians Munawar Faruqui and Nalin Yadav, who were accused of hurting religious sentiments and violating COVID-19 protocols during a New Year event in Indore. Justice Arya stressed the importance of promoting harmony and brotherhood, stating, “The State must endeavour to ensure that this ecosystem and sustenance of coexistence in our welfare society is not polluted by negative forces.” The Supreme Court later granted bail to Faruqui, overturning the high court’s decision.
Bail with Raksha Bandhan Condition
In another significant case in 2020, Justice Arya granted bail to a man accused of outraging a woman’s modesty on the condition that he present himself to the complainant on Raksha Bandhan so she could tie a “rakhi” on his wrist, symbolising a brother-sister relationship, and promise to protect her. This decision faced heavy criticism and was subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court, which issued guidelines for lower courts on handling bail petitions in cases involving crimes against women.
Inputs from agencies
