Odisha Govt not to prosecute Abhijit Iyer-Mitra; to withdraw Cases

ONI Bureau: The Odisha Government has finally decided not to accord sanction of prosecution against Defence Writer Abhijit Iyer-Mitra in cases where prosecution has been sought and take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him, paving way for his release from jail.

The Home Department of Odisha Government has released a press statement, saying the Govt has accepted Abhijit Iyer-Mitra’s appeal. Abhijit has been in the jail since October 23 for his alleged derogatory remarks against Konark Sun Temple and Odisha.

The Press Statement reads as:

“Sri Abhijit Iyer Mitra has made an appeal to the Government of Odisha to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him. He has appealed “to accept his apology and contrition” in having wounded the sentiments of people of Odisha without intention. He has further mentioned that in consideration of his unconditional apology in having hurt the sentiments of people of Odisha unintentionally “without malice or mal-intent” the Hon’ble Odisha Legislative Assembly have pardoned him on 16th November, 2018″.

“Taking into account his representation, the Government have decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for an also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedures”.