Odisha Forgives Abhijit Mitra, Drops Breach of Privilege Charges

Delhi-based defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra was on Tuesday, arrested in Bhubaneswar for his remarks seen as derogatory to the history and culture of the state.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

The Odisha Assembly on Saturday, 17 November, accepted the "unconditional and unreserved" apology of Delhi based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra for his statement against the state lawmakers and dropped the breach of privilege charges against him.

The relief for Mitra comes even as he remains in judicial custody since 23 October in connection with two FIRs lodged against him for his alleged "derogatory, mischievous and objectionable comments" on social media on art and culture of Odisha, Lord Jagannath and the Odia community as a whole.

WHY WAS MITRA ARRESTED?

Mitra was arrested by Odisha police on 23 October after he was charged with hurting religious sentiments, promoting disharmony and other offences in the two FIRs.

A case was registered at Konark police station in Puri district on 19 September under various sections of IPC, Information Technology Act and Ancient Monument and Archaeological sites and Remains Act against Mitra.

The second case was lodged at Saheed Nagar police station here on 20 September under various sections of IPC and IT Act against Mitra.

WHAT HAS THE ASSEMBLY DECIDED?

The Assembly granted pardon to Mitra after accepting the recommendations of a House Committee that inquired into the allegations against the journalist.

The committee also recommended to the House to direct the state government to provide material to Mitra to educate him about the art, culture, history and the people of Odisha.

"The Assembly accepted the recommendations made by the House Committee which was set up to inquire into the question of alleged breach of privilege relating to the statement made by Abhijit Iyer Mitra," Speaker P K Amat said after a voice vote on the recommendations of the committee.

The chairman of the Committee, Narasingha Mishra, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, laid the report on the table of the House. The committee was set up on 20 September after concerns were expressed by MLAs cutting across party lines.

During its six sittings, the Assembly Committee met Iyer Mitra and sought an affidavit from him on the matter.

WHAT MITRA SAID IN HIS APOLOGY

In his deposition, Iyer Mitra has said, "I apologise that because of my stupidity, I said very very stupid thing which I apologise for. I apologise. In a movement of confusion and stress I made this remark."

Committee member and BJD MLA Debi Prasad Mishra quoting the report said: "The manner in which Mitra has begged apology speaks that..(it) is voluntary and therefore it needs consideration."

"In view of the above, the committee recommends that the august House may be magnanimous to consider and accept the apology begged by Abhijit Iyer Mitra for his statement made by him before the media against the Hon'ble Members of the august House and drop the matter," the committee said in its recommendations.