SC denies the quashing of FIR and transfer of matter to CBI against Republic TV Editor in Chief Arnab Goswami

SC in its interim order stated that the freedom of lies in the freedom of speech and expression but the same can be curtailed on the basis of regulation of peace and maintaining the situation of law and order within the state thus such a freedom is not an absolute one and shall be exercised with care and precaution. The freedom of such speech should not be used to provoke the citizens of the country as such could lead to mass disorder within the state. The said FIR’s were filed in various jurisdiction of Maharashtra as he stated, during one programme on the Palghar lynching, Goswami was accused of making “defamatory remarks” against Congress President Sonia Gandhi and promoting enmity between groups and in the other programme he held debate on an incident in Bandra when several migrant workers gathered near a train station, demanding to be sent back home. Goswami is accused of making statements that communalised the incident.

Arnab on such FIRs lodged against him in various jurisdictions approached the Apex court pleading them to be quashed and transfer the investigation to CBI as the police would be treating them partially on the various allegations bought up by him against the police.

Such a plea was quashed by the Apex court of the transfer of matter to CBI and FIR’s bought up against him. But in a relief extended the protection provided to Arnab Goswami by the Court’s.

By Rajat Verma