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Tripura High Court has recently denied quashing of FIRs registered against CPI-M leader Jitendra Chaudhury and former State Minister Bhanulal Saha for allegedly posting instigating post on Facebook on May 30, 2021.

A bench of Justice T Amarnath Goud noted, "quashing of FIR on the ground that the statement made is ‘stand alone‟ cannot be accepted since the posting on the Facebook during the above period made by the persons from the said political party, needs a serious examination."

The Facebook post of Saha as per the FIR said, “For mass resistance of their bricks, kicks, petrol bombs etc, keep handy sticks, sickle, door bar, shovel, fish knife, axe, pickaxe, iron pipes etc. (Legally vegetarian weapon) in every houses by everyone irrespective of men, women, teenagers and old persons. Gather courage to face outsider attackers. It is not a crime to take up things in hand for self defence. It is impossible to protect life and property without resistance. Young age you turn into fire. Hundreds-thousands of youths be ready. Resist lumpens and ruling party goons with courage. Join people actively from the locality and be in leadership.‟ (2) “ Where there are bullying by five goons there must be carried out protest meeting/rally of five hundred people …… Mass leader Jyoti Basu.”

Whereas, allegedly the Facebook post of Chaudhury said, "Sesh ke finished korun (“Finish the end”)."

In furtherance to this, multiple FIRs have been filed all though out the State of Tripura in various police stations against the two.

The bench has further noted, "it is premature to come to a conclusion in favour of the petitioner since there is no denial by the petitioner on the posting of the said statement and it becomes immensely necessary to investigate into the matter."

However, the bench has directed that the enquiry into different FIRs should be conducted at one location.

Case Title: Sri Jitendra Chaudhury Vs. The State of Tripura. and Ors.