Detention of Manipur activist under NSA: Supreme Court grants two weeks to Manipur government to file response to compensation plea

Today the Supreme Court granted the Manipur government two weeks to file its response to a plea seeking compensation to political activist Leichombam Erendro, who was released yesterday from detention under the National Security Act for having criticised BJP leaders on use of cow dung and urine as cures for COVID-19. 

A bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah on Monday had directed the Manipur government to release Erendro, stating that he cannot be kept in prison even for a night.

Also Read: His continued detention would amount to violation of his fundamental right under Article 21: SC directs release of Manipur-based political activist detained under NSA.

The Supreme Court issued notice to the Manipur government saying that this was a serious matter as someone lost his liberty for over two months and the petitioners have prayed for grant of compensation to Erendro for detention. The bench noted Solicitor General’s submission that Erendro was released on Monday evening following the Supreme Court’s direction to Imphal jail authorities and charges against him under NSA and the detention were revoked.   

It was contended on behalf of the petitioner that the plea filed by the petitioner (Erendro’s father) prayed for two reliefs. First, to quash the detention order passed by the District Magistrate of Imphal West District against Erendro on May 17  and, secondly, compensation for his detention.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the state will have to satisfy the detention order on merits and the same could have been avoided by a little pragmatic approach.

CLICK HERE TO READ ORDER.