The District and Sessions Court in Gangtok has refused to grant bail to Arun Limboo, the spokesperson of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), in a case involving serious allegations of circulating defamatory content against Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his wife Krishna Kumari Rai.
Background and Arrest
Arun Limboo was arrested on September 15 following a complaint filed by Sonam Choden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to the Chief Minister. The complaint alleges that Limboo shared videos on social media containing defamatory remarks and doctored images targeting the Chief Minister and his wife. According to the complaint, the content also sought to incite unrest by referencing Nepal’s recent violent youth uprising, thus raising concerns about public peace and security.
Court Proceedings and Rationale
During the bail hearing, the court examined the nature of the videos and social media posts in question. The judge ruled that the content went well beyond normal political criticism, labeling it as provocative and capable of disturbing communal harmony. Specific phrases such as “atom bomb” and “hydrogen bomb” were cited in the order as inflammatory language likely to provoke public unrest.
The court also challenged Limboo’s claim of being a “simple farmer,” noting his prominent political role as SDF spokesperson and pointing to his prior involvement in legal cases. This led the court to consider the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact of the accused’s actions.
Invoking Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the court described the charges as comparable to sedition, emphasizing that granting bail at this stage could obstruct the ongoing investigation and jeopardize public order. The court thus decided to keep Limboo in custody as the probe continues.
Political Reactions
The Sikkim Democratic Front, now led by Komal Chamling, strongly condemned the arrest and bail denial. Chamling described the move as an attempt to silence opposition voices and suppress dissent in the state. “Arun Limboo spoke the truth, and for that, he is behind bars,” Chamling said in a statement, vowing to fight the case both politically and legally.
Following Limboo’s arrest, SDF supporters staged protests outside the Sadar Police Station, demanding his immediate release and warning that their agitation would escalate if the situation was not addressed.
Context and Implications
This case highlights growing tensions in Sikkim’s political landscape, particularly concerning freedom of expression and the boundaries of political criticism. The use of legal provisions comparable to sedition underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the circulation of content perceived as inflammatory or destabilizing.
As the investigation proceeds, the outcome of this case could set important precedents regarding political speech, social media conduct, and legal boundaries in the state.
