SC rejects Iyer’s bail plea over derogatory remarks against Odisha’s Sun Temple

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court today cleared a path for arresting Delhi-based Journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra by dismissing his bail petition for his alleged derogatory remarks against famous Sun Temple in Odisha’s Konark.

The apex court slammed Iyer for his comments that hurt religious sentiments of people of Odisha.

A bench of three judges headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi denied relief from arrest to Iyer saying, “Your comments incite religious feelings. How are you entitled for bail?”

When Iyer’s counsel said that his life is in danger, Justice Gogoi said if your life is in danger, then what better place to stay than jail? Your life will be secure, said a source close to the development.

Earlier, the apex court had extended the interim protection from arrest to Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer till October 5.

Delhi’s Saket court had granted him interim bail on a bond of Rs 1 lakh, directing him to join investigation in Konark police station by September 28.

Notably, Abhijit Iyer is facing charges over his derogatory remarks on Konark Sun Temple’s architecture. Two FIRs have been lodges separately against him after he posted a series of tweets on microbloging site Twitter criticising Odisha culture and Lord Jagannath.

Iyer, who is a friend of former Biju Janata Dal MP Baijayant Panda, drew flak from all quarters of leaders cutting across the party line after he posted a video on social media making derogatory remarks on the Sun Temple and a series of tweets insulting Odisha people and their culture.

Following this, the Assembly Speaker constituted a six-member House committee headed by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Narasingha Mishra to probe as to whether the criticism is breach of privilege of the House or the legislatures

Iyer made objectionable remarks following his recent visit to Odisha along with his aides including former parliamentarian on the latter’s chopper.