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Supreme Court orders immediate release of Manipur Activist Leichobam Erendro, detained under NSA for his alleged Facebook Post.

A Division Bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice MR Shah, while hearing the matter today, said,

"We are of the view that the continued detention of the petitioner is in violation of Right to Life and personal liberty under Article 21 and as a part of the interim directions of this court, the petitioner be release forthwith, on satisfying bail bond of Rs 1000.

Respondent shall comply with it on or before 5 pm today.

The registry shall communicate the order to Manipur central jail Sajiwa.”

Matter has been listed for hearing tomorrow, on the request of Learned Solicitor General.

A plea was filed seeking writ of Habeas Corpus against detention of Leichobam Erendro, political activist 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”. 

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

It is the contention of the petitioner that the said detention is in violation of Supreme Court order dated April 30, 2021, in SMW(C) No. 3 of 2021, wherein the Court categorically said that dissemination of information and SOS calls by the general public should not be suppressed by the Executive. 

A Full Judge Bench of Justice Chandrachud had earlier passed orders to all DGPs and Chief Secretaries of States to ensure that no coercive steps or threats are met to such calls, warning of contempt action. 

It is the further contention of the petitioner that the present charges are only imposed to “shut-off political voices” and hence liable to be set aside.

Erendro was granted bail by the local court of DM, Imphal West Distt. On May 17, 2021, following which he was booked under the National Security Act.

The Plea is filed by the accused’s father Raghumani Singh through Advocate Shadan Farasat.

Case Title: L. Raghumani Singh v. District Magistrate, Imphal West Distt. | WP (Crl.) No. 266 of 2021