GUWAHATI: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has received bail from the Supreme Court of India, in a UAPA case issued against him by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation with protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
A bench consisting of Justice V. Ramasubramanian and Pankaj Mithal submitted a declaration and restricted the NIA from arresting activist turned politician Akhil Gogoi, until Friday. Akhil Gogoi was supposed to be presented before the court on 23rd of February.
The apex court on Tuesday, announced that “Let notice be served on the standing counsel for the state (NIA), for the limited purpose of considering the grant of protection to the petitioner from arrest pursuant to the impugned order, returnable on Friday, February 24. In the meantime, the petitioner shall be protected against arrest in connection with [this] FIR.”
Guwahati High Court on 9th February, announced that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) can now initiate investigation proceedings against independent MLA Akhil Gogoi along with three of his associates related with anti CAA activities.
Devajit Lon Saikia, the Advocate General of Assam stated that, Guwahati HC has rejected the discharge order by the Special Judge, NIA court and has advised the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to carry on with the petition issued by them.
The National Investigation Agency has opposed the verdict of Special NIA Court, which declares the four accused as innocent. However, after going through the petition, the High Court advised the agency to carry on with the framing allegations after reopening the case.
The HC order mentioned that, the introduction of CAB/CAA in Assam by state the state administration has erupted massive agitation amongst the general public and their behaviour towards the decision is expected. Varied protests were seen across the state, including a lot of organisations.
It is also valid for the citizens of the state to voice up in matters as it their constitutional right to opt for peaceful protests regarding such issues. However, Akhil Gogoi and his associates acted in a violent manner in certain places. Akhil Gogoi along with his mates and followers had not only provoked the general public to act against CAB/CAA, but their actions were carried on in an aggressive and violent manner. This had led to severe outbreaks in several parts of the state, added the court.
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