On July 19, the Supreme Court of India granted interim relief to the former spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party Nupur Sharma in multiple FIRs registered against her in different states. In its order, the apex court issued notices to the respondents in the FIRs registered against Sharma in order to look for ways how she can avail alternate remedies as suggested by the court in its July 1 orders.
The matter is listed for August 10 for next hearing.
BREAKING: SC: Meanwhile as an interim measure it is directed that no coercive shall be taken against @NupurSharmaBJP pursuant to the impugned FIRs#supremecourt
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) July 19, 2022
The bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice JB Pardiwala heard the petition filed by Nupur via Senior Advocate Maninder Singh. In the plea, Singh stated that there was a threat to Sharma’s life. He also mentioned the recent report where a Pakistani national was held by BSF who travelled from the neighbouring country to kill Sharma. He also mentioned how people were apprehended in Patna, who had Sharma’s number and address on her mobile and allegedly wanted to kill her.
SC: The events which you are mentioning now are after filing the miscellaneous application
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) July 19, 2022
Singh: yes it is continuous. how do i travel to every court and seek redressal
SC: We never wanted you to go everywhere. may be we could not convey this or you did not..
Singh: apologise
When the court asked if the instances had happened after Singh filed his miscellaneous plea, he mentioned that the threats were continuous. He argued amid such threats; it would be impossible for Sharma to travel to other states. The court said, “We never wanted you to go everywhere. maybe we could not convey this, or you did not.”
Justice Kant then asked if Sharma was willing to appear in Delhi High Court, to which Singh agreed. After hearing Singh’s arguments, Justice Kant observed, “Our main concern is that you should not be deprived of your right of alternate remedy and develop modalities.”
Sr Adv Singh: yes of course. i have handed over the orders passed by you earlier. it has been held that first FIR is allowed to go on and others are stayed and new ones are also stayed. #NupurSharma
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) July 19, 2022
In its orders, the apex court said, “In support, the petitioner in the Miscellaneous application has stated that after July 1 order of this court, various incidents like threats like one by Salman Chishti claiming to be Khadim of Ajmer Dargah has called upon people against the petitioner.”
The court further added, “Another from UP has made a viral video threatening to behead her. Another FIR has been registered against her in West Bengal, and Kolkata police have issued a lookout circular which will lead to immediate arrest and consequential denial of relief by not approaching HC.” The court permitted to file an additional affidavit giving specific details of these instances.
SC:….and another from UP has made a viral video threatening to behead her. Another FIR has been registered against her in West Bengal and Kolkata police has issued look out circular which will lead to immediate arrest and consequential denial of relief by not approaching HC
— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) July 19, 2022
The court further said that it would look at how Nupur Sharma would avail alternate remedies and issued notices to the respondents. While setting a date for the next hearing as August 10, the court directed that no coercive shall be taken against Sharma.
