The SC of India has ordered the release of three senior CPI(M) leaders from Tripura—Tapas Dutta, Trilokesh Sinha, and Babul Debnath—recognizing their good conduct and reducing their jail term in a decade-old protest-related case.
the Supreme Court of India has ordered the release of three senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leaders from Tripura — Tapas Dutta, Trilokesh Sinha, and Babul Debnath — reducing their jail terms in recognition of their good behavior and conduct during imprisonment. The verdict marks the end of a long legal and political struggle that began a decade ago.
The directive, issued by a division bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti, reached the Belonia Sub-Jail on Wednesday afternoon. Following the order, jail authorities promptly completed the formalities, leading to the trio’s release later that evening.
As the leaders stepped out of jail, they were greeted with flowers, slogans, and emotional cheers from hundreds of CPI(M) workers and supporters who had gathered outside. The crowd included prominent party figures such as Mihir Patari, Acting Secretary of the CPI(M) South District Committee; Bijoy Tilak, Belonia Sub-Divisional Secretary; and MLA Dipankar Sen, among others.
The atmosphere was charged with solidarity and celebration. Supporters chanted party slogans and raised red flags, symbolizing unity and resistance. The release of the three leaders was seen as not only a personal vindication but also a morale boost for the Left cadre in Tripura, which has been striving to regain its political ground in the face of the ruling BJP’s dominance.
Addressing the gathering shortly after his release, Senior CPI(M) leader Tapas Dutta spoke with emotion and determination. “We were implicated because we stood for the rights of working people,” he said. “This fight lasted ten years, and throughout this period, our party and the people who believe in justice stood by us. Their unwavering trust has given us renewed strength to continue our struggle for the rights of laborers. We firmly believe that the current authoritarian BJP regime will not last—history has never favored injustice.”
A Case Rooted in Labor Rights Protest
The case that led to their imprisonment dates back to April 2, 2015, during a nationwide general strike organized in support of labor rights. During a protest near the Belonia Court premises, the three leaders were accused of obstructing a district judge who was attempting to enter the court. Following the incident, a suo motu case was registered against them.
After a prolonged trial, the Belonia District Court convicted the three CPI(M) leaders, sentencing them to two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 500 each. Their appeal to the Tripura High Court failed, as the court upheld the lower court’s decision.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Relief
On March 1, 2025, the trio surrendered before the Belonia Court and were subsequently sent to jail. After spending four months in custody, the Supreme Court granted interim bail on July 31, allowing them temporary freedom. The court also directed the leaders to submit affidavits acknowledging the incident, paving the way for a possible sentence reduction.
However, procedural delays in listing the matter meant the leaders had to return to jail, pending a final hearing. When the case was finally heard earlier this week, the Supreme Court took note of their good conduct and time already served. The bench concluded that the duration of imprisonment was sufficient punishment under the circumstances and ordered their immediate release.
Political and Symbolic Significance
The release of the three senior leaders has been hailed within CPI(M) circles as a moral and political victory. Party sources believe that the court’s decision not only brings closure to a decade-long case but also energizes the Left base in Tripura, where the party has been struggling to regain influence since the BJP came to power in 2018.
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Political observers view this development as a symbolic resurgence for the CPI(M) in the state. The leaders’ release, coupled with their renewed commitment to workers’ rights, could rejuvenate the party’s grassroots movement ahead of the next assembly elections.
For many CPI(M) supporters, the moment represents vindication after years of hardship—a reminder that justice, though delayed, has not been denied.
