The District and Sessions Court in Gangtok has granted bail to Arun Limboo, senior leader and spokesperson of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), who was arrested earlier this month on charges related to defamation and incitement. The bail order was passed today, following a hearing held on September 24.
Limboo was taken into custody on September 15 after an FIR was lodged by Sonam Chhodden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The complaint alleged that Limboo had shared doctored images and defamatory videos on social media platforms targeting the Chief Minister and his wife, Krishna Kumari Rai. Among the content cited were provocative references, including the term “atom bombs,” which authorities claimed posed a threat to public peace and national security.
Following his arrest, Limboo was charged under several provisions, including Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023—a section that deals with acts endangering public harmony and national integrity. His initial bail application was rejected by a lower court, citing the gravity of the accusations.
However, in the latest development, the District and Sessions Court reviewed the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense on September 24, and granted bail to the SDF leader today. Legal experts note that while the court has permitted his release, the investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Limboo’s arrest sparked widespread criticism from the opposition, with the SDF condemning the move as a politically motivated attempt to stifle dissent and curtail democratic rights. The party maintained that the arrest was an overreach by the state and demanded his immediate release.
With today’s court decision, Arun Limboo is expected to walk free, though he may be required to comply with specific bail conditions laid down by the court.
This case continues to draw attention in Sikkim’s political circles, raising questions about the balance between freedom of expression and responsible speech in the age of digital media.
