SC denies relief from arrest to defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra

The apex court on Thursday denied defence analyst Abhishek Iyer-Mitra relief from arrest. He is currently facing charges over his remarks on the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha

When Iyer’s counsel said his life is in danger, the Bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi said: “If your life is in danger, then what better place to stay than in jail? Your life will be secure.”

According to an article in The Times of India, the Bench said they had seen Iyer-Mitra’s remarks on the Sun Temple. “Your comments invite religious feelings. How are you entitled to bail?” The Bench then went on to dismiss the petition seeking bail.

Iyer-Mitra was arrested on September 20 by the Odisha State Police and was later granted bail by a Delhi High Court that directed him to join the state-led probe by September 28. Even the Odisha Assembly had adopted a privilege motion against Mitra for his remarks where he called the temple a “humple”.