NEW DELHI: The
Supreme Court on Thursday denied relief from arrest to journalist
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who is facing charges over his alleged objectionable remarks against Odisha's popular Konark Sun Temple.
When Iyer's counsel said his life is in danger, CJI Ranjan Gogoi-led bench said "if your life is in danger, then what better place to stay than jail? Your life will be secure."
The SC bench said we have seen your remarks on Sun Temple. "Your comments invite religious feelings. How are you entitled to bail?" the bench said.
The Odisha-based journalist was earlier arrested on September 20 by the state police. He was later granted bail by a Delhi court which directed him to join the probe.
The court granted relief to Mitra on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and one surety of the like amount on a plea moved by him, while directing him to join the investigation in the state by September 28.
The
Odisha assembly had also adopted a privilege motion against Mitra for his alleged derogatory remarks.
(With inputs from PTI)
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra. (Courtesy: Twitter)
