The Supreme Court while hearing a plea for quashing of cases against Navika Kumar for a show on Times Now in which the former BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma had made derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad, decided against taking any coercive action towards the Times Now news anchor.

The Bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli have also issued notice to the State of West Bengal and others in the case, which will be heard after two weeks.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing on behalf of Navika Kumar submitted,

“…anchor said nothing. The debate was about Gyanvapi Mosque and suddenly one said something and then another retorted. Ms Kumar doused the fire.”

He has also questioned the interest of the West Bengal government in the case, in lieu of the fact that the first FIR against the news anchor was registered in Kolkata.

Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for West Bengal, provided the defense that the State government took hate speech seriously.

In response to Advocate Rohtagi’s request for a stay on the proceedings against Kumar, Justice Kohli said,

“Let the other respondents also appear. As of now, this should serve your purpose.”