SC reprimands Mamata govt for delay in Priyanka Sharma's release

2019-05-15 10:56:06

SC reprimands Mamata govt for delay in Priyanka Sharma's release

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday censured the West Bengal Government of contempt proceedings over the delay in the release of BJP Youth Wing Convener Priyanka Sharma, who was arrested for sharing a morphed image of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Priyanka Sharma's counsel NK Kaul mentioned before the Supreme Court that Priyanka had not been released as of today morning, following which the apex court said it would issue a notice of contempt if she is not immediately released.

However, the West Bengal government informed the apex court that the Police had released Priyanka at around 9:40 am this morning.

"This is not done. First of all the arrest was prima facie arbitrary," the bench said and warned it would issue contempt against officials concerned if Sharma is not released immediately from jail.

The bench then asked the counsel representing Sharma's brother Rajib Sharma to take instruction on whether she has been released from jail or not.

After a few minutes the counsel apprised the court that she has been released from jail.

The apex court also said it would hear Priyanka's application seeking action against the West Bengal police authorities in the first week of July.

The Supreme Court had on May 14 granted bail Priyanka Sharma, who was arrested on May 10 for allegedly posting a morphed picture of state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Facebook, after waiving its earlier condition that she tenders a written apology.