New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (August 30) stayed the proceedings arising from an FIR against Deepak Kumar – popularly known as “Mohammad Deepak” – over allegations resulting from a confrontation which ensued when Deepak intervened to defend a Muslim shopkeeper who was being harassed by members of the Bajrang Dal, reported LiveLaw.A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta also stayed the operation of an order by the high court wherein it has restrained Deepak from making social media posts about the incident and the case.The apex court on Monday passed the interim order while issuing notice to the respondents in Deepak’s petition challenging the high court’s refusal to quash the FIR.Appearing for Deepak, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that he had intervened after Bajrang Dal members objected to a Muslim shopkeeper using the word “Baba” in his shop’s name.A video of the incident, which took place on Republic Day, went viral wherein when the mob asks Deepak his name, he replies, “Mohammed Deepak.”“How can a good samaritan be subjected to this kind of a complaint?” Singhvi told the top court.Singhvi argued that while Deepak had himself lodged complaints regarding the incident, but no action had been taken on them. On the other hand, an FIR was registered against him.The senior advocate also raised concerns about the high court’s direction restricting Deepak from posting messages or videos about the incident on social media. He said that instead of giving relief to the petitioner, the high court imposed a “blanket gag order” on him.While issuing notice returnable in four weeks, the Supreme Court ordered that proceedings pursuant to the impugned FIR shall remain stayed in the meantime.It also stayed the effect and operation of the impugned High Court order, including the restriction concerning social media posts.Kumar has been facing intimidation and threats from Hindutva supporters since a video showing him defending the Muslim shop owner went viral on social media. In February, the Bihar police had detained a man who had announced a Rs 2 lakh award for killing Deepak.