Odisha government to withdraw cases against Abhijit Iyer-Mitra

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has decided that it would not sanction prosecution of defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who was jailed after he allegedly made sarcastic comments about the Sun Temple in Konark. The government would also withdraw the cases pending against him.

The state government has been at the receiving end of criticism for allowing defamation and other harsh charges to be filed against Iyer-Mitra.

He was refused bail by local courts in Odisha and the Supreme Court. Then, a long strike by advocates at the Orissa High Court left Iyer-Mitra stay in Bhubaneswar's Jharpada jail, where he was lodged since October 23, until last Saturday when he was moved to a hospital for treatment.


The analyst’s outspokenness on social media had got him into more trouble. The Odisha assembly used its privilege to summon Iyer-Mitra for calling its members fools. It later accepted his apology.

In news release, the state’s home department said Iyer-Mitra had offered his unconditional apology and contrition for hurting the sentiments of the people of Odisha. “The government has decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought. It has also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedure,” it said.