Same Plea, Different Results: SCs Order In Zee Anchor Case Raises Fresh Questions On Its Dismissal Of Nupur Sharma’s Plea

The Supreme Court on Friday (8 July) restrained various state authorities from taking coercive steps against TV news anchor Rohit Ranjan, who is facing multiple FIRs for playing a doctored clip of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a programme on 1 July.

Rohit Ranjan Awarded Relief

A vacation bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and J K Maheshwari also issued notice to the centre, through the office of the Attorney General, on Ranjan’s plea seeking quashing of complaints or FIRs relating to the telecast.

The apex court was hearing the plea of the anchor who is facing multiple FIRs filed in various states.

While issuing notice on the plea, the top court said the petitioner should not be taken into custody.

In his petition, the news anchor had sought relief including the quashing of FIRs or complaints or their clubbing and transfer to one place.

Referring to various judgements, apex court said, “There can be no second FIR and consequently there can be no fresh investigation in respect of the same cognizable offence or incident giving rise to one or more cognizable offences."

“Since it is impossible for the petitioner to approach various courts/police stations all over the country in respect of such FIRs/complaints, the present writ petition is being filed under Article 32 against the violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (a) (freedom of speech and expression) and Article 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Constitution,” it added.

Nupur Sharma Reprimanded, Denied Relief

Recently, Nupur Sharma had also petitioned the Supreme Court for clubbing multiple FIRs filed against her across various states, in line with Court’s earlier judgments in the matter.

However, instead of providing relief to her, the two-judge bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice JB Pardiwala went on a tirade including oral comments on how her statement was responsible for the beheading of a Hindu in Udaipur.

With two differing judgements of the Supreme Court on a similar issue, it now remains to be seen if Nupur Sharma’s legal counsel approaches the apex court again, or if the Court itself is forced to reconsider its dismissal of her petition.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also Read: ‘Indelible Scar On The Justice System’: Open Letter By Retired Judges And Others Hits Out At SC’s Comments On Nupur Sharma’s Plea