SC rejects Abhijit Iyer’s bail plea; says Jail is safest place for him

ONI Bureau:  The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the bail of journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra who is facing charges over his alleged objectionable remarks against Odisha’s popular Konark Sun Temple.

The three judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Ranajn Gogoi, said to Iyer’s counsel, “Your (journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra) comments incite religious feelings. How are you entitled for bail?” The SC bench further commented that the best place where Iyer will be safe is in jail.

Abhijit Iyer was earlier arrested on September 20 by the Odisha police for making “derogatory” remarks on Odisha and Konark Sun Temple. Later granted bail by a Delhi court on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.