The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted protection to suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma from arrest in multiple FIRs.

The SC was hearing a plea moved by her seeking a stay on her possible arrest and clubbing nine cases filed against her across India in alleged hate statements on Prophet Muhammad.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala on Tuesday issued notice to all respondents including various states where FIRs have been registered in the case and also to the Union of India. The bench said, meanwhile, as an interim measure, no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner.

“In light of recent events, the concern of the court is as to how can the petitioner avail the legal remedy. In order to explore the possibility… Let notice be issued to the respondents. The matter was posted for hearing on August 10. Copies of the main writ petition shall also be supplied to the respondents,” said the bench.

Court noted that the Article 32 jurisdiction of the court was invoked to get the relief of clubbing of cases. Since the above prayed for quashing of FIRs can be exercised by HC in its power under CrPC, this court on July 1 had asked the petitioner to take the alternative remedy, news agency ANI reported.

The petitioner has now filed this Modification Application pointing out that it has become impossible for her to avail of this remedy and there is an imminent necessity for intervention of this Court to protect her life and liberty.

In support of her plea, the petitioner has averred that after our orders, various incidents including threats (SC notes Chisti’s remarks wherein he asked for cutting of petitioner’s throat). SC also notes the video of another person who abused her and gave life threats, the court said.

Nupur Sharma through petition has sought direction to club all the FIRs registered against her across the country. She said that after the top court’s strong criticism of her, the fringe elements have renewed their threat to her life and also given rape threats.

Sharma had requested the apex court that since the first FIR against her was registered in Delhi, all FIRs at other places be clubbed with Delhi FIR.

Image courtesy: ANI/Twitter