The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest to Times Now TV channels’ editor Navika Kumar in connection with FIRs lodged against her over controversial remarks made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Mohammad during a TV debate moderated by the news anchor.
A Bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli issued notices to the Centre, West Bengal government, and others on Kumar's plea seeking quashing of proceedings initiated against her. “As an interim measure, no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner pursuant to the impugned FIRs/complaints or future FIRs/ complaints which may be registered with respect to the broadcast of May 26", the bench said. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Kumar, submitted that debate was going on over Gyanvapi mosque and suddenly one of the speakers said something, and then another retorted.
Rohatgi stated that the news anchor did not say anything and several FIRs were lodged against her. She in fact doused the fire by saying "we have to go by the Constitution", Rohatgi added. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the West Bengal Government, said the first FIR was registered in Kolkata and the FIR in Delhi is not connected with this.
At this juncture, Rohatgi said, “What is the special interest of the State of West Bengal in this matter? The bench then issued a notice in matter and sought replies in two weeks.