A man, who was recently arrested for allegedly posting derogatory comments against Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Facebook was released on bail by the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West on Thursday.
The accused, Chungkham Chingkheinganba, 27, son of Ch Modhusudon Singh of Sagolband Tera Lukram Leikai, Imphal West, using his Facebook handle ‘Ching Bizz’ posted a comment, “Biren Minai nangna hek ngangba wase taba yaba mata hek ngnagde. Ei IRB gi thabak t apply twkiba leitae adub ngna nangi cdi taba yadre.” (Biren, you slave. You never say anything worth giving attention. I had not applied for the IRB job, but what you are saying does not deserve any listening).
After his police custody term ended, the accused was produced before the court through video conferencing by the investigating officer with a prayer for remanding him in judicial custody for 15 days.
The additional public prosecutor submitted that the comment made by Chingkheinganba promotes disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred amongst the communities as well as visible representation in committing offence against the Manipur state government.
Meanwhile, an application on behalf of the accused was filed by his counsel, praying for rejecting the judicial remand prayer of the investigating officer and to let him on bail.
On hearing of the facts, and examination of the materials submitted, the court observed that the post of the accused directly targeted the head of an elected government.
“In a democracy, criticism of the government is the right of a citizen. However, being sarcastic and by using offensive words and targeting an individual directly cannot be considered as exercise of his right to free speech. Further, targeting the head of an elected government directly, who the public, including him, voted for seems not proper for a responsible citizen,” the court's order mentioned.
During the hearing, the accused made a humble apology for making the statement and using offensive words against the chief minister, following which the court warned him not to repeat such acts.
If he is found to get involved in such an act again, the court will not give any leniency, it further warned.
After consideration of the above factual positions, the court granted the bail prayer and released him with a direction to appear before the same court on December 2.
