Read Time: 04 minutes
Multiple FIRs/complaints have been filed against the TIMES NOW news anchor Navika Kumar in relation to remarks made by Nupur Sharma, former BJP spokeswoman, during a TV Debate hosted by her.
A Supreme Court bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli on Monday directed the authorities not to take any coercive steps against Times Now Anchor Navika Kumar in current FIRs/Complaints and future FIRs/Complaints pertaining to the telecast of Gyanvapi debate dated May 26, 2022, which resulted in the Nupur Sharma controversy.
The court issued notice in the matter and directed that all the States be served.
The court was hearing a plea, filed by Times Now News Anchor Navika Kumar seeking direction to quash various FIRs registered against her throughout India, pertaining to the TIMES NOW TV Debate telecasted on May 26, 2022, with Nupur Sharma. The television anchor has been charged in relation to remarks made by Nupur Sharma, former BJP spokeswoman, against Prophet Muhammad during the debate hosted by Navika Kumar.
Kumar has asked for the cases to be dismissed or combined and sent to one State. FIRs against her have been filed in States including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Appearing for Kumar, Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi argued that she was merely a host and had in fact doused the fire when the controversy erupted. Appearing for the State of West Bengal, Menaka Gurusamy, Sr. Adv, submitted that the first FIR was filed in the State of West Bengal. Rohatgi, retorted to this saying, "What is the extra interest of the State of West Bengal? This speaks volumes!!"
The bench, on hearing the submissions, passed the abovesaid order.
The apex court, on July, 19, 2022 issued notice in a plea by Nupur Sharma after the first information reports (FIRs) were filed against her in various areas of the nation for her comments regarding Prophet Muhammad.
The court had also directed that no coercive action be taken against Sharma in present FIRs or complaints as well as in FIRs/ complaints which may be registered/entertained in future pertaining to the telecast dated May 26, 2022. However, on July 1, 2022, the apex court refused to entertain the plea, which resulted in the plea being withdrawn.
Case Title: Navika Kumar Vs. Union of India & Ors.
Please Login or Register
