LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday granted protective bail to TikToker Rajab Ali Butt until January 28, shielding him from arrest in a case related to allegedly playing music during prayers in Karachi.
The case, which has sparked widespread public outrage, was registered at the Hyderi Police Station in Karachi. The complainant alleged that Butt’s actions offended religious sentiments and violated Islamic values. In his petition to the LHC, Butt expressed concerns over being arrested before he could attend court proceedings.
Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing and ruled in Butt’s favor, granting him temporary protection from arrest. This decision allows the TikToker to appear before the relevant court in Karachi without fear of detention.
The complainant’s lawyer, Riaz Ali, criticized Butt’s actions and emphasized the importance of upholding Islamic principles. “The court issued an order to the police to arrest Butt,” he noted, adding that the case would set a precedent to deter similar conduct in the future.
The controversy erupted after videos surfaced of Butt allegedly creating content deemed disrespectful during prayer times, causing outrage among various segments of society. Butt’s legal team argues that the matter requires a fair trial, insisting that their client’s intentions were not malicious.
The protective bail ensures that Rajab Ali Butt has time to prepare for upcoming legal proceedings while raising broader questions about the responsibility of social media influencers and the consequences of content that offends public and religious sensibilities.
