Tamil Nadu Police has arrested Badri Seshadri, a prominent political analyst, after an FIR was registered against him for his remarks on Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud concerning Manipur violence. Badri is the founder of a leading publishing house in Tamil Nadu, Kizhakku Pathippagam.
In an interview published on YouTube, Badri said, “Yesterday, the Supreme Court like a big…. I don’t know what word to say. ‘If you can’t do it (contain the violence), we will get down and do it.’ We should give a gun in the hand of Chandrachud (Chief Justice of India) and ask him to go there and do what he can to restore peace. Simply, talking anything without relation. Can you (judiciary) enter into the realm of governance? What fault did you find in what is being done [by the government] there [to restore normalcy]? Two groups are fighting. It is a hilly terrain. A complex land. In that, a few murders will happen. Why did they fight? Could we have prevented the reason for the two groups fighting? It can’t be done easily.”
Badri was arrested pursuant to Advocate Kaviyarasu’s complaint registered at Kunnam Police Station, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu. “Criticizing the Supreme Court’s stand on the matter, Badri reportedly asked if a gun could be placed in CJI’s hands and he will be able to ensure peace. He also tarnishes the dignity of the Supreme Court and the country’s judiciary,” the complainant told the media.
The police registered the FIR against Badri u/s 153, 153A(1)(a) and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was arrested at around 5 am, today, on July 29. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has condemned Badri’s arrest and alleged that the DMK Government was resorting to arrests to combat opinions of the common people. The State BJP chief also asked if arresting people the ruling party wants to take revenge against was Tamil Nadu Police’s only job.
Background
On July 20, the Supreme Court of India took cognizance of the viral video of two women being paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence in Manipur. The video was from May 4. “We are very deeply disturbed by the videos which have emerged yesterday about the two women who were paraded in Manipur. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government really steps in and takes action. This is simply unacceptable,” the Chief Justice said. The Chief Justice then sought the details of action taken against the perpetrators since May and warned the government, “We will give a little time for government to take action otherwise we will step in.”
The case was listed before the court on July 28; however, it was not considered as the Chief Justice did not preside that day. The Tamil Nadu-based publisher asked the Chief Justice whether the court could enter the realm of governance. The publisher has further asked the Chief Justice how he would restore peace and maintain law and order in Manipur. The matters pertaining to Manipur violence would now be taken up on July 31.
In response to the distressing video, the Government of India has decided to entrust the investigation into the incident to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision to transfer the investigation into the incident was taken considering the gravity of the offence and with the consent of the Manipur Government.
The Government of India has said that it has “zero tolerance towards crimes against women” in its affidavit and submitted that several remedial steps have been taken to support the victims. Furthermore, the government has requested the Supreme Court to transfer the case trial to another state and sought a direction to complete the trial within 6 months of filing chargesheet.
“Legal aid has also been offered to the victim to district legal service authority. The state government has formulated rehabilitative measures for the victims, including counselling from a trained professional, shelter at a place of choice meeting secrecy and security, arrangement for education in case of willingness to pursue education, assistance with meaningful livelihood, adequate provisions for vocational training and suitable job to the victim and the next of kin subject to the willingness and suitability,” the government’s affidavit read.
The Government of India, in its affidavit, also informed the court that it is monitoring the law and order situation in Manipur to expedite the process of justice, even though the matters fall under the State Government’s jurisdiction. The government also informed the court that several measures have been incorporated to ensure security and provide necessary assistance for swift investigation, rehabilitation and remedial action.
Furthermore, the government has mandated that all such incidents are reported to the Director General of Police (DGP) and offered suitable rewards to whistle-blowers for reporting such incidents, ensuring their anonymity.
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