Manipur: HC Extends Interim Protection of Advocate Diksha Dwivedi

The Manipur High Court has recently extended till September 13 the interim protection granted to Advocate Diksha Dwivedi.

This extension transpired subsequent to an FIR being lodged against Dwivedi subsequent to her participation in a fact-finding mission concerning the Manipur violence.

Diksha Dwivedi, who is facing charges of Sedition, Conspiracy to wage war against India, and similar offenses, had earlier approached the Supreme Court. The apex court accorded her provisional protection against arrest and granted her the freedom to approach the High Court.

A single bench of Justice Guneshwar Sharma passed this directive following the submission of a counter affidavit by the State government. The Court has also allowed Respondent no. 3 a two-week duration to submit its counter affidavit.

Furthermore, Dwivedi has been given the liberty to present a rejoinder in the matter. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on September 13.

It is noteworthy that during the proceedings before the Supreme Court, Dwivedi’s legal representative had contended that given the prevailing circumstances in Manipur, approaching the Manipur High Court could be challenging. However, following the arguments presented by the Solicitor General, the bench, consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice Manoj Misra, granted Dwivedi permission to virtually appear before the High Court.

During this exchange, it was communicated to the Supreme Court that both Dwivedi and her counsel were encountering online threats. The Supreme Court issued the directive, stating, “You have the freedom to approach us in case of any grievances.”

Subsequent to this, Dwivedi pursued relief from the High Court. On August 1, the High Court issued a notice in the matter, concurrently extending the interim protection until August 17.