Today, On 14th October, The Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to a BJP MLA from Odisha accused of assaulting a female police officer. Emphasizing the responsibility of leaders, the Court remarked, “Those in leadership positions have to set an example for public behavior.” The MLA had approached the Court seeking relief following the incident, but the bench held firm, stressing the importance of accountability among public figures.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court rejected an anticipatory bail plea from Odisha legislator and BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra, who faces charges for allegedly slapping a female police officer.
The Bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, dismissed Mishra’s petition, highlighting that,
“Those in leadership positions have to set an example for public behavior.”
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The case against Odisha BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra stems from events on February 15 last year, outside the Sambalpur Collectorate, where the BJP was holding a sit-in protest.
The police intervened as protesters moved towards the office gate, during which Mishra allegedly directed profane language at a female officer, inappropriately touched her, and slapped her on the cheek.
Following the incident, Mishra was charged with multiple offenses, including outraging a woman’s modesty, defamation, obscenity, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, and using criminal force against a public servant. Mishra denied the allegations, counter-claiming that the officer had misbehaved with and assaulted him.
After the Orissa High Court denied anticipatory bail on November 16, 2023, Mishra approached the Supreme Court. His counsel argued there was no need for custodial interrogation since the incident occurred publicly and was captured on video, noting the allegations were “omnibus.”
Mishra’s plea further argued that,
“The police, being ill-advised by inimical persons, lodged this false case only to harass and defame the petitioner.”
Previously granted interim protection by the Court, Mishra will now lose this protection with the Supreme Court’s dismissal of his plea.
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, along with Sarthak Nayak and Satish Kumar, represented Mishra.