Prophet Row: SC Clubs, Transfers All FIRs To Delhi Police
FIRs are lodged across the country against suspended BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma (above) over her remark on the Prophet made during a TV debate show in May 2022
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed clubbing and transfer of all FIRs lodged across the country against suspended BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma to Delhi Police in connection with FIRs/complaints lodged against her in several states over her remark on the Prophet made during a TV debate show.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala also extended interim protection to Sharma till the probe is concluded by the Delhi Police.
The top court allowed Sharma to move Delhi High Court for quashing of FIRs lodged over her remark and said all future FIRs would also be transferred to Delhi Police for investigation.
The apex court said the FIRs will be probed by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) wing of the Delhi Police.
Sharma’s remark on the Prophet during a TV debate had triggered protests across the country and drew sharp reactions from many Gulf countries. The BJP subsequently suspended her from the party.
Meanwhile, speaking at an event last month, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had alleged that the Nupur Sharma controversy was a “conspiracy of the BJP to further its divisive policy” and asserted that the suspended saffron party spokesperson should be arrested as no one must be allowed to “play with fire”.
Speaking at a conclave organised by a television channel, which was broadcast live on the CM’s Facebook page, Banerjee alleged that the BJP was spreading fake news and videos through social networking sites.
“The Nupur Sharma controversy is totally a conspiracy…hatred and divisive policy of the BJP. Why was she not arrested? Arrest her because you cannot play with fire. In our country we are all together. If you don’t trust the people then how will you trust yourself? I am for all the communities — Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists,” she said.
She claimed India’s global image has taken a beating because of Sharma’s controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammed.
Referring to FIRs lodged earlier over circulation of fake videos of violent incidents in Bangladesh, alleging that those took place in West Bengal, Banerjee said, “BJP is misusing social media…they have given money to spread fake, communal videos and news. There are so many TV channels that get paid to do so.”
“The Nupur Sharma controversy is dividing my country and affecting our image. I cannot see my country bowing down morally to others because of a particular party. Some countries have boycotted our items. This is a matter of shame,” Banerjee had said. (PTI)
