The Supreme Court of India on Thursday provided journalist Abhisar Sharma with four weeks of interim protection from arrest. This action stems from an FIR filed against him in Assam, which alleges that a video he posted was critical of the state's policies.
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, while granting the protection, instructed Sharma to approach the Gauhati High Court to seek the quashing of the FIR. The court also issued a notice to the Centre regarding Sharma's plea, which challenges the constitutional validity of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This specific section addresses acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
The FIR against Sharma was registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. It was initiated based on a complaint by Alok Baruah, who claimed that a video uploaded by Sharma to his YouTube channel on August 8 was likely to create communal tension and distrust towards state authorities.
Also Read: 'No excuse for unannounced halt on highways,' rules Supreme Court
Sharma has been charged under several sections of the BNS, including Section 152 and Section 196, which pertains to promoting enmity between different groups.
The content of the video in question allegedly references recent remarks made by the Gauhati High Court. These remarks questioned the rationale behind the allocation of 3,000 bighas of land in the tribal Dima Hasao district to a private company for the purpose of establishing a cement factory.
Also Read: Supreme Court strikes down Army JAG gender quota
Follow us
