Supreme Court clubs all FIRs against Nupur Sharma, transfers them to Delhi

In a big relief for Nupur Sharma, Supreme Court on Wednesday clubbed all FIRs registered against suspended Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson. SC also ordered all FIRs to be transferred to New Delhi and observed that High Court was an ept Constitutional body to deal with request of quashing m. bench was heed by Justice Surya Kant and Justice JB Pardiwala.

During hearing, Senior vocate Maninder Singh apprised court that despite stay during last hearing, Sharma h received summons from West Bengal, and fresh FIRs h been filed against her in state. He requested that Court club all FIRs to Delhi. 

Senior vocate Menaka Guruswamy appearing for West Bengal opposed this and questioned how an accused could be allowed to pick a jurisdiction, to which vocate Singh argued that Delhi police FIR was a comprehensive FIR, and investigation has to be re since first FIR was filed in national capital. 

SC clubs all FIRs against Nupur Sharma

Observing that 'certain more incidents h taken place' after its previous July 1 order denying relief to Sharma, SC said, " telecast dated May 26, 2022 has led to registration of various FIRs against petitioner in various parts of country. We are consolidating FIRs in view of a grave circumstance. We were of view that it is for High Court to quash FIRs."

Taking cognizance of threats against her, SC said, "Though petitioner was initially on July 1 relegated to avail alternative remedy with reference to her first prayer for quashing FIR, we are of view that a part of cause of action has arisen in Delhi and she is at liberty to move Delhi High Court for quashing FIR. An FIR has been filed in Maharashtra and a similar FIR has been filed by Delhi Police IFSO unit. Since this court h alrey taken cognizance serious threat. We direct that all FIRs be transferred and clubbed for purpose of investigation to Delhi Police."

SC also denied request to oversee process saying that this would put undesirable pressure on investigation agency. 

In last hearing, Supreme Court directed as an interim measure that no coercive action be taken against Nupur Sharma till August 10. suspended BJP leer knocked on doors of apex court seeking clubbing of all FIRs lodged against her across country in connection with her controversial remarks against Prophet Muhamm.

Nupur Sharma's lawyer Senior vocate Maninder Singh h submitted a petition stating that after court's July 1 order, serious threats against her life h been issued and she was not in a position to avail alternate remedy directed earlier by top court of approaching High Court. Responding to petition, bench stated that ir main concern is to ensure protection for Sharma so she should not remain deprived of her right of alternate remedy.