Further remand granted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28 2021:
Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal West has rejected the bail application filed by Henkhokai Singsit @ Kakai Singsit, former finance secretary of All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) and remanded him to judicial custody till July 9 .
Henkhokai Singsit @ Kakai Singsit (36) of Motbung Saitu Gamphazol was produced before the Court after the completion of his 4 days police remand.
On the other hand, the defence counsel of the accused filed a remand objection along with a prayer for his bail.
The IO of the case through APP submitted that on June 25 last the accused posted a statement on social media that reads "My dear tribal people, beware of this judazidcariot, called N Biren Singh, for four years, he seems acting as the saviour of the tribal people but take guard he's the man hell bent on destroying the tribal people" .
The post not only insulted the Chief Minister but also promotes enmity on the ground of religion, caste or community, the IO said and added that the accused admitted to having uploaded posts on social media targeting the CM and the State Government in January 2021, but deleted most of the posts now.
The accused had over 900 friends on Facebook and as a representative of a tribal student body, his activities on social media are mostly observed by many tribal people including leaders of student bodies, organizations and unions among others.
The defense counsel, on the other hand, submitted that the accused is a former finance secretary of ATSUM and also an active social worker.
As his wife has expired, the accused is caring for his two children, the defense counsel said.
It also submitted that the accused has not made any statement against the country or any Government or the people of the land as he was merely exercising his right to freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.
The Court after hearing and on perusal of the facts and materials on record, observed that the remarks made by the accused are communal and are raising a false alarm amongst the masses.
The Court also observed that criticism in Indian democracy is acceptable but when it becomes sarcasm the person who publishes the same is liable to be booked.
Accordingly, the Court rejected the bail application of the accused and remanded him to judicial custody till July 9 .