Manipur activist charged under NSA for criticising use of cow dung, urine for treating Covid should be released: SC
Monday, 19 July 2021 (16:53 IST)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the immediate release of Manipur-based activist who was detained under the National Security Act for allegedly posting posts against cow dung and urine as remedies for treating COVID-19 after a BJP leader died from the virus.
The order from the Apex Court came after hearing the plea the victim Erendro Leichombam's father L Raghumani Singh, who claimed that his son's detention was the violation of an earlier Supreme Court's order that prohibited the authorities to take legal action or muzzle the voice of those who question COVID-19 management.
The detention of the accused was ordered on May 17 by District Magistrate, Imphal West District.
Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing on the behalf of the petitioner, submitted that the slapping of the stringent NSA against the advocacy of cow dung and urine as a cure was a violation of the Right to Free Speech.
Mr Farasat told the court that it was "not even a case".
A two-judge bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah held the activist's detention illegal and ordered his release by 1700 hrs of Monday itself. (UNI)
