Editor,
A recent report that came out on a number of YouTube news channels regarding the summons made by the police department on one individual by the name Bah P S Lyngdoh because of his views and opinions on a series of issues concerning the present government and also the pending public report on Cheristerfield Thangkhiew’s unfortunate death brings to light the level of educational experience and application of mind by those in authority.
The Supreme Court of India in its recent observation noted and cautioned the police from arbitrary arrest and detention without proper understanding of the law and a person cannot just be arrested on mere allegations or comments on social media platforms. It had stated that when the power of arrest and detention is exercised without proper application of mind and without due regard of law it tantamount to abuse of power. A bench comprising Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice A S Bopanna noted that arrest is not meant to be and cannot be used as a punitive tool as such actions would result in the gravest process of denying a person his rights and freedom that is personal liberty.
It is noteworthy that the apex court stated that an individual is entitled to his personal liberty and opinion of views and imposing a blanket order to express is like turning into a police state. As a citizen every person has an entitled right as per the Constitution of India under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India which states that all the citizens of India have a right to freedom of speech and expression. In Meghalaya, the state police seems to have its own definition of Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression something the state or any of its authority cannot take away and any gag order undermines the very Constitution that this nation rises above everything.
