Agartala, April 28 — The Tripura High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail appeal of Saikat Talapatra in a case registered under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Information Technology Act.
The order was delivered by a single bench headed by Justice Dr T. Amarnath Goud while hearing a criminal appeal challenging the rejection of bail by the Special Judge, West Tripura, on March 6 this year.
As per court records, the case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged on October 14, 2023, by Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma at the West Agartala police station. The complaint alleged that Talapatra had uploaded a video on a social media platform containing objectionable, provocative, and allegedly hate-inducing remarks targeting a particular community. It also included allegations of scandalous comments directed at the complainant and his family.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 153A (promoting enmity between groups), 354A, 504, 505, and 509, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Talapatra was subsequently arrested on October 20, 2023, and has remained in judicial custody since then.
During the hearing, the High Court took note of the advanced stage of the trial. It observed that proceedings had progressed substantially, with as many as 37 witnesses already examined. The matter has now reached the stage of final arguments.
Rejecting the bail plea, the court held that the trial is nearing completion and granting bail at such a late stage would not be appropriate. The bench emphasized that with the conclusion of the trial appearing imminent, releasing the accused could potentially affect the judicial process.
The order underscores the court’s view that cases at an advanced stage of trial require careful consideration, particularly when serious charges involving communal harmony and digital conduct are involved.
