Thread by @barandbench

Kerala High Court is slated to hear anticipatory bail plea of Lakshadweep filmmaker Aisha Sultana in sedition case.

#AishaSultana #Sedition

Justice Ashok Menon will be hearing the matter.

#AishaSultana #Lakshadweep #Sedition

Hearing commences. Senior Counsel P Vijayabhanu appearing for Sultana.

#sedition

Petitioner is a film director. During a heated argument in a panel discussion on Media One TV channel, she used the word bio weapon and that Central govt used bio weapon in Lakshadweep: Vijayabhanu

She said that Covid restrictions were relaxed in Lakshadweep leading to spike in cases. The word bio weapon was used in that context: Aisha Sultana

#sedition #Lakshadweep

She never knew that this word can have such implications. She apologised the next day: Vijayabhanu

#sedition #Lakshadweep

I am willing to appear for interrogation. I only apprehend custodial interrogation. UT has been fair in that they have not taken contention that I am flight risk: Vijayabhanu

Vijayabhanu also says on merits the act won't be sedition. As per latest Vinod Dua case, the act should be to exhort people ro overthrow the govt using violence.

Mere criticism even in strong words will not be sedition: Vijayabhanu.

Counsel S Manu appearing for Lakshadweep administration.

Manu referring to transcripts of the media discussion.

#sedition #Lakshadweep

The anchor warned the lady that it is a very serious allegation. The anchor also asked Sultana if she has any material to prove that: S Manu

#Sedition

She then referred to how China allegedly used Covid as bio weapon against other nations. Similarly, she said Govt of India used Covid was bio weapon against its own citizens: Manu

The statements made by Sultana comes at a time when atmosphere is charged due to protests against govt in Lakshadweep: Manu

Manu distinguishes the case from Vinod Dua case. Criticism on merits is different.

In this case, she has sowed seeds of separatism by her words. A school going kid in Lakshadweep watching her statements, what impression will he get: Manu

#sedition

Lakshadweep used his discretion and issued a notice under Section 41A. He could have arrested.

It is a very serious allegation. She has to appear before the the Police: Manu

The police has not acted in a haste or in mala fide manner: Manu

Manu also says her name and age are not correctly stated in the bail application.

The name and age on electoral roll are different: Manu

#AishaSultana #Lakshadweep

It is a very serious issue as far as law and order of Lakshadweep is concerned: Manu

Another lawyer tries to implead saying he has filed a complaint and wants to present facts.

It is a case with international ramifications: he says.

This is not a public interest litigation. I won't allow your impleadment application: Judge says.

P Vijayabhanu says FIR and notice to her are also in name of Aisha Sultana and I have used that name.

Vijayabhanu referring to Kedar Nath Singh.

#Sedition

The remark was made in heat of moment and even otherwise won't come under sedition: Vijayabhanu

Manu says her criticism is not against PM or Party running govt. It is against the Govt.

Further, it is the tendency which statement can entail that is require. Imminent violence is not needed. If there is intention to create public disorder, that is sufficient: Manu

#sedition #Lakshadweep

She may be a good actor on reels, she is doing the same here too: Manu

#AishaSultana #Sedition

BREAKING: Kerala High Court grants interim anticipatory bail for one week to Lakshadweep filmmaker Aisha Sultana. Sultana.

Court reserves order on anticipatory bail plea

Directs her to appear for interrogation.

#AishaSultana #Sedition

[BREAKING] Kerala High Court grants interim protection from arrest for one week to Lakshadweep filmmaker Aisha Sultana in sedition case

report by @GitiPratap

Read more here: bityl.co/7Nor