MP HC Seeks State's Response Over Detention Of Man Based On WhatsApp Messages Allegedly Threatening Cavalcade Of Prime Minister, VP

As per the factual matrix of the case, the petitioner was picked up from his house and taken to the police station on 20.06.2023 at around 7.00 am, and was locked up by the station in charge without any reason before being released the next day. The petitioner was kept in the lock-up of the police station for more than 24 hours without any reason.

Therefore, he made a written complaint to the police station in charge, but no action was taken on it. Thereafter, he also made a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police. However, even the Superintendent of Police did not take any action.

The petitioner alleges that due to him being kept in the lockup of the police station, his social reputation has been tarnished and he has suffered mental damage and therefore, he prayed before the Court to direct respondents to pay him Rs. 5,00,000/- as compensation and to punish the respondents for keeping him in lockup for more than 24 hours without reason.

The Counsel for Respondent No. 3/Police Station In-Charge and Government Advocate for Respondent Nos. 1/State and 2/Superintendent of Police prayed for three weeks' time to demonstrate that there was a WhatsApp Message by the petitioner that he may disturb or block the cavalcade of the Prime Minister and Vice President, and therefore, he was called to the police station.

It was submitted that the petitioner remained at the police station during the visit of the Prime Minister and Vice President on his own will. Moreover, it was stated that the petitioner also has a record of 25 criminal cases, and therefore, the respondents did their duty in accordance with the law.

It was further submitted that in a democratic country, protestors can protest, but they cannot disturb the protocol of the Prime Minister and Vice President.

The Court, while allowing the prayer, granted three weeks' time to the respondents to show that the WhatsApp Message has some connection with the petitioner.

Case Title: Ajeet Singh Anand Urf Mange Sardar Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 11750 Of 2024

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