The judicial custody of defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who was arrested for his alleged derogatory comments on the art and culture of Odisha, Lord Jagannath and Odia community, has been extended by two weeks.
Mr. Iyer-Mitra was arrested by the Bhubaneswar police when he appeared before the Odisha Assembly House Committee on October 23 in connection with his alleged remarks amounting to breach of privilege of the State’s lawmakers.
While the judicial remand has been extended by the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, the Bhubaneswar Sessions Court has also reserved orders on the bail plea of Mr. Iyer-Mitra. He is presently lodged in the Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar.
In view of the ongoing agitation by the lawyers, the proceedings were conducted through the camp court on Monday.
According to Mr. Iyer-Mitra’s counsel Nikhil Mehra, the Bhubaneswar sessions court is likely to pass orders on the bail plea this week.
Once Mr. Iyer-Mitra is granted bail in the Bhubaneswar case, bail will also be moved on behalf of Mr. Iyer-Mitra in the coming week before the camp court in relation to the case registered at the Konark police station.
Report in Assembly
On the other hand, the Assembly House Committee will submit its report to the Speaker in the next session of the Assembly which begins on November 16.
