Magazine's Editor, Photographer Accused Of Publishing Goddess Durga's 'Distorted' Image Granted Interim Protection By Gauhati High Court

The Gauhati High Court last week granted interim Anticipatory Bail to 'Nandini' magazine's editor, Maini Mahanta and its photographer, Unique Borah who have been accused of publishing a symbolic image of Goddess Durga in a distorted form.

The FIR in the instant case had been filed by M. Kailash, President, and Apan Choudhury, General Secretary of Pragjyotishpur Aikya Sangha Hojai District Youth Committee accusing Mahanta and Borah of hurting the sentiments of the Hindus. 

However, since the case diary was not produced before the Court, the Court called for the case diary by directing the Investigating Officer to produce the same, only if the case has been registered in the matter and investigation is carried out thereto. 

The Investigating Officer has also been directed to inform the Court, in the event case diary is not furnished, as to whether a case has been registered on the basis of the FIR aforesaid.

In view of this, on consideration of the materials available before the Court, subject to a final decision on perusal of the materials in the case diary, the Bench of Justice Hitesh Kumar Sarma granted interim pre-arrest bail till the next date fixed.

Lastly, listing the matter for further hearing on November 11, 2021, the Court directed thus while granting the petitioners, interim protection if arrested:

"In the interim, it is provided that the petitioners, if arrested in connection with the case aforementioned, they shall be released on furnishing a bail bond of Rs.10,000/-, each with a suitable surety each of the like amount, to the satisfaction of the arresting authority."

Case title - Maini Mahanta And Anr v. State of Assam 

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order