After 42 Days In Custody, Journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra Gets Bail As State Drops Charges U/s 295A & 153A IPC

The Orissa High Court has granted bail to Abhijit Iyer Mitra, a journalist and Defense Analyst, who was jailed for his alleged Anti-Odisha remarks in twitter.

As per Advocate Nikhil Mehra, Mitra’s lawyer, the state submitted before the High Court that charge sheet has been filed against him dropping 295A and 153A IPC, though certain bailable sections remain.

He was in jail for the last 42 days.

The High Court then granted bail in both the cases pending against him. Formal release order is to be passed by the Trial Court.

https://www.livelaw.in/if-your-life-is-in-danger-then-what-better-place-to-stay-than-jail-sc-denies-bail-to-abhijit-iyer-arrested-for-remarks-on-konark-temple/

Abhijit Iyer-Mitra was first arrested on September 20 in relation to tweets made about Konark temple. Though he approached SC for protection from arrest, the plea was not entertained. Later, he was arrested again on October 24 in relation to another tweet about Lord Jagannath. Meanwhile, the Assembly also adopted a motion against him alleging breach of privileges. He was also hospitalized last week.

In a press release issued yesterday, the Odisha Government  stated its decision to not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for and to withdraw other cases pending against him, in acceptance of the unconditional apology tendered by him.