Priya Gour
Published on: 09 August, 2022 at 18:32 IST
The Supreme Court Bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli denied of any action to be taken against Times Now news anchor Navika Kumar. This was in the anchor’s connection with cases filed against her show where Nupur Sharma (former BJP spokesperson) made derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
The Issue:
Nupur Sharma, former BJP spokesperson had been criticized over her remarks on Prophet Mohammad. The remarks also had consequence of some Islamic nations summoning Indian ambassadors and high commissioners. Sharma was suspended from the BJP, along with the party maintaining distance from her.
The Supreme Court, while hearing a petition of Sharma in July, expressed its anguish and also rejected to entertain her petition.
The Court held Sharma to be “single-handedly responsible for fanning flames across India and that she should apologise to the whole nation.”
The apex court also questioned Times Now, “What was the TV debate for? Only to fan a agenda? Why did they choose a sub judice topic?”
Nupur Sharma had approached the court again after which, she was granted protection. Notices were also issued to the West Bengal Government and others in the case.
The anchor’s counsel, Mukul Rohatgi submitted, “…anchor said nothing. Debate was about Gyanvapi Mosque and suddenly one said something and then another retorted. Ms Kumar doused the fire.”
Submission about the “extra interest” shown by the West Bengal government, was also made, since the first FIR against Kumar was registered in Kolkata. Counsel for West Bengal defended by mentioning the serious attitude of the State government against hate speech.
Justice Kohli, in reference to a stay by the leader’s counsel quoted, “Let the other respondents also appear. As of now this should serve your purpose.”
Kumar, who has been booked in states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir had moved to the apex court for quashing of the cases against her.
The Supreme Court mentioned that it had already issued notice on a similar plea by Nupur Sharma after FIRs were registered against her.
Henceforth, the court ordered that no coercive action be taken against the anchor in the matter.