Tripura High Court refuses to quash FIR against Manik Sarkar

The Tripura High Court has dismissed a petition filed by former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar seeking to quash a First Information Report (FIR) regarding an allegedly provocative political speech. A division bench comprising Justice T. Amarnath Goud and Justice Biswajit Palit ruled that the allegations disclose elements of cognizable offences that require a thorough investigation.

The case originated from a complaint filed at the West Agartala Police Station following a political program in Agartala on August 10, 2026. It is alleged that Sarkar made remarks suggesting the state and country should take the path of a ‘militant/aggressive movement’.

Sarkar contended that his statements were misinterpreted and that the legal action was politically motivated. However, the court observed that the context and meaning of the remarks, made before a large gathering, must be examined through evidence and witness statements. The court directed investigating agencies to proceed with a probe under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.