In Brief
A Muslim journalist and social activist challenged an externment order from Amravati after he filed complaints about misappropriation of government grants to madrasas. Three FIRs were filed against him soon after his complaints. The Supreme Court set aside the externment order, holding that it was retaliatory and mala fide. The Court ruled that externment—a drastic curtailment of liberty—must be used only in exceptional circumstances to maintain law and order. Where the underlying criminal cases are concocted in retaliation for legitimate whistleblowing, the externment cannot stand, especially when the externee has been acquitted of at least one charge.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.