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A Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundaresh disposed off the writ petition filed by OP India journalist Nupur J Sharma after the State of West Bengal submitted that the FIR against her shall stand withdrawn.

Nupur Sharma the Editor-in-chief of the news portal OPIndia and Rahul Roushan, the CEO of the portal had filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution before the Supreme Court stating that her organisation and she are being persistently hounded and victimised by the State of West Bengal. The State of West Bengal had filed 4 FIRs against Sharma, Roushan and certain members of their organisation all of which were stayed by the Supreme Court.

Appearing for the State of West Bengal, Siddharth Dave, Senior Advocate, submitted that the FIR forming part of the petition and the application in this regard shall stand withdrawn and maybe quashed by the court.

The court on hearing his submission noted that they are however not inclined to let go of the opportunity to speak of something which is troubling both society and court. The court noted that in a country such as India which prides itself of diversity there are bound to be different political opinions, and such opinions are the essence of democracy.

The court further noted that the only issue is the manner in which such dissents are being conveyed. The court noted that difference in perception can be expressed in better language and untoward words should never be used by the journalists. The court empathised with the  journalists suffering the consequences of what is in public domain.

The court further appreciated the stand taken by the State of West  Bengal. The court further appreciated the very constructive role played by Siddharth Dave for bringing this matter to an end.

Case title: Nupur J Sharma Vs State of West Bengal