Team News Riveting
New Delhi, July 19
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma in different first information reports (FIRs) lodged against her across the country for her remarks on Prophet Muhammad.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala issued notice to quash the FIRs or in the alternative club different FIRs and transfer the same to Delhi. In all, nine 9 FIRs have been registered against Sharma in four States that include Delhi (1), Maharashtra (5), West Bengal (2) and Telangana (1).
“This matter be listed on August 10, 2022. Copies of main writ be also forwarded along with notice to respondents. Serve through dasti notice and through standing counsel. Meanwhile, as an interim measure it is directed that no coercive shall be taken against Nupur Sharma,” the bench ordered.
The Court said that it will explore the option of allowing Sharma to move one of the High Courts to quash all FIRs.
“The petitioner had approached this court to quash all FIRs registered against her. Since her prayer of quashing can be granted by High Court in exercise of powers under Article 226, this court on July 1, 2022 relegated petitioner to avail alternate remedy. The petitioner has now filed a miscellaneous application pointing out inter alia that it has become impossible for her to avail the alternate remedy granted by this court and that there is an imminent necessity to protect her life and liberty as guaranteed under article 21,” the order said
In this regard, the Court noted that another FIR has been registered against her in West Bengal and the Kolkata police has issued look out circular which will lead to immediate arrest and consequential denial of relief by not approaching High Court.
