Supreme Court orders release of Manipuri activist detained over a Facebook post

NEW DELHI: 

The Supreme Court, on Monday, ordered the immediate release of Manipur activist Erendro Leichombam, who was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) on May 13, along with one local journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem.

Leichombam was arrested on complaints by Manipur's BJP due to a Facebook post by him over the death of Saikhom Tikendra Singh, the then state BJP President, stating "cow dung and cow urine don't work" to cure COVID.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said that Leichombam cannot be kept in jail even for a day for such an act.

"He cannot be kept in jail even for a day. We will order his release today," said Justice Chandrachud.

The plea filed by the activist's father, L Raghumani Singh, through advocate Shadan Farasat stated that the detention of the activist is a reprisal for his criticism against BJP leaders for advocating cow-dung and cow-urine as cures for COVID.

After hearing the arguments of Farasat, the Bench ordered for the release of Leichombam before 5 pm today on execution of a bond of Rs 1,000.

(Edited by Marvin Kharsohnoh)

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