PATRICIA MUKHIM Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter has been taken up via video conferencing.

(2.) The genesis of this matter is an incident which occurred on 03.07.2020 where a group of boys while playing basketball at Lawsohtun, Shillong at around 12:30 PM or so, about 20-25 unidentified youths attacked them resulting in injuries sustained by some of the victims. In this connection, the police registered a criminal case No. 71(7)2020 under Sections 326/307/506/34 IPC. In this regard, according to the Press Release issued by the Asstt. Inspector General of Police (A) on 04.07.2020, altogether seven suspects were picked up for interrogation and the statements of the victims were also recorded. Investigation is in progress.

(3.) The petitioner who is a journalist said to be of national and international repute responded to the said incident by posting her comments in a social media platform, that is, 'Facebook' on 04.07.2020, echoing her stance against such brutal attacks meted out to non-tribals in the State and the ordeal faced by them since the past several decades. In the said post, a query was also made to the respondent No. 3/Dorbar Shnong on their obligatory role of keeping vigil at the place of occurrence and their required assistance for apprehending the culprits. The petitioner went on to aver that the statements made are general in nature and the same was made in good faith and in public interest without any criminal intent or mens-rea.