YouTuber Rajab Butt has received temporary relief after returning to Pakistan and securing interim bail in a case linked to a controversial video involving Namaz that sparked widespread backlash on social media.
A sessions court granted interim pre-arrest bail to the social media personality, who was accused of hurting religious sentiments following the circulation of a viral clip. The case was registered in January at Hyderi Market police station on the complaint of lawyer Riaz Ali Solangi under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with deliberate acts intended to offend religious feelings.
According to the FIR, the complainant stated that he came across a video in December 2024 in which Rajab Butt was allegedly seen performing Muslim prayer while music played in the background. The complainant claimed the act was disrespectful and deeply offensive, prompting him to seek legal action.
The case was registered after a sessions court accepted the complainant’s application under Section 22-A and directed the station house officer to lodge an FIR against the YouTuber.
Subsequently, Rajab Butt appeared before the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Central) and requested pre-arrest bail. The court approved interim bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and adjourned the hearing until December 29, when it will decide whether to confirm the bail.
During proceedings, Butt’s legal counsel argued that private individuals are not authorized to initiate cases related to sensitive religious matters. He maintained that complaints under Section 295-A require approval from provincial or federal authorities, as outlined in Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Following the controversy, Rajab Butt released a public apology video in which he expressed remorse, clarified that his actions were unintentional, and apologized to anyone whose religious sentiments were hurt.
In a podcast, Hamza Ali Abbasi addresses Rajab Butt controversy
