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The Supreme Court has today adjourned a hearing in a plea by Manipur Journalist Leichobam Erendro seeking compensation against Illegal Detention under NSA, for a Facebook Post mocking the death of a BJP leader.

A bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna posted the matter for hearing after 2 weeks.

The plea was filed seeking writ of Habeas Corpus against detention of Leichobam Erendro, Journalist from Manipur, who was charged under NSA for his Facebook Post wherein it was stated, “The cure for Corona is not cow dung and cow urine. The cure is science and common sense Professor ji RIP”. 

Earlier, the Court had issued directions to immidiately release the son of the petitioner forthwith, as interim directions in the plea, and listed the matter today on the request of the Solicitor General.

In furtherance to which the Court had later issued notice on his second prayer seeking compensation for the illegal detention of the Journalist.

Background

On the last hearing, It was the contention of Learned Solicitor General that the petition seeking Habeas Corpus was raised after 3 months of the alleged detention, and the moment it came into the knowledge of the State, the same was revoked; “Yesterday when it was raised, I didn’t even defend”

Issuing directions to file a Counter Affidavit, the matter was adjourned for 2 weeks.

Whereas while releasing the detenue on a bail bond of Rs 1000, Court said, “Continued detention of the petitioner would amount to a violation of Right to Life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Registrar (Judicial) shall communicate a copy of this order forthwith to the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa.”

The plea came up against detention of Journalist Erendro for his Facebook post which said, “The cure for Corona is not cow dung and cow urine. The cure is science and common sense Professor ji RIP”

The Statement was made subsequent to the death of Manipur BJP Chief Tikendra Singh.

Case Title: L. Raghumani Singh v. District Magistrate, Imphal West Distt.