Guwahati, November 6: The Gauhati High Court has quashed the detention of land rights activist Pranab Doley under the National Security Act (NSA). The court passed the order on Friday. However, details of the order and the reasons behind the decision were not available at the time of publication.
Doley was arrested on July 12 in connection with a case linked to protests against a proposed luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Activists and local residents had protested against the project at Ingle Pathar village on June 28.
A sessions court later granted Doley bail. However, the Assam government invoked the NSA against him, preventing his release from custody.
According to a government communication, 13 cases had been registered against Doley. The allegations included inciting hatred against the state, encouraging conflict between communities and obstructing government officials from performing their duties.
The police FIR alleged that Doley and others entered the project site in a planned manner while carrying weapons, including machetes and sharp sticks. It also accused them of attempting to set fire to a cement mixer, injuring 12 police personnel and misbehaving with women police officers on duty.
While granting bail, Additional Sessions Judge Nur Muhammad Abdullah Ahmed observed that the dispute was linked to concerns over environmental damage. He noted that criminal law should not be used to silence local concerns when environmental protection and the survival of indigenous communities are involved.
The High Court's latest decision has set aside Doley's detention under the NSA. The full court order is awaited, and further details are expected to clarify the reasons for the decision and its implications.
