Informing the media on Thursday, Abhijit’s counsel Nikhil Mehra said that since the apex had rejected the extension of the interim bail period, he will not file a review petition on his behalf. “My client has decided to cooperate with the Odisha Police in the investigation,” he added.
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Mehra, however, said he was ready to fight the case on behalf of his client.
“Neither are we trying to run away nor are we afraid of anyone. In my opinion, whatever statement my client has given is within the purview of the Constitution which has bestowed the Right to Expression to every individual,” he pointed out.
During the hearing when Iyer’s counsel argued about a threat to his life, the apex court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said, “If your life is in danger then what better place to stay than jail? Your life will be secure.”
The Bench further said that his comment incites religious feelings. “How are you entitled to bail?” it added.
Abhijit was arrested by the Odisha Police after being interrogated at the Nizamuddin Police Station in New Delhi on September 20 after his derogatory remarks on Odisha, the Sun Temple of Konark and Lord Jagannath had triggered widespread resentment across the state
However, the Metropolitan Magistrate of the Saket Court rejected the appeal of the Odisha Police to take Abhijit on a transit remand to the state for further interrogation, as they failed to produce relevant evidence to justify his arrest, and granted conditional bail to him till September 28.
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The court had also directed Abhijit to appear at the Konark police station after September 28 in connection with a case registered against on the basis of a complaint by Bimbadhar Beura for his derogatory remarks on the Sun Temple.
On September 27, the apex court had extended Abhijit’s interim bail till October 5 and directed the Odisha Police to provide him with adequate protection if he needs to appear before the Orissa High Court during his visit to Odisha.
With his interim bail extended till October 5, Abhijit had skipped appearing at the Konark police station after September 28 as directed by the Delhi court.
