Court Finds Deliberate and Malicious Intent in Live TV Incident
The Allahabad High Court has declined to quash an FIR registered against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Priyanka Bharti, who allegedly tore pages from the Manusmriti during a live television debate. The incident had prompted legal action, leading Bharti to seek relief from the court.
A bench comprising Justices Vivek Kumar Birla and Anish Kumar Gupta passed the ruling after thoroughly reviewing Bharti's plea. In their order dated February 28, 2025, the justices noted that tearing pages from the Manusmriti, revered by a particular religion, clearly demonstrated "prima facie reflection of a malicious and deliberate intention."
Cognisable Offence Established
The bench emphasized Bharti's high qualifications and her position as an official spokesperson for her party. The court noted:
This stance left no room for quashing the FIR, leading the court to dismiss Bharti's writ petition, referencing multiple Supreme Court rulings that support their decision.
Background of the Case
The FIR against Bharti was registered on December 29, 2024, under Section 299 BNS in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Following the FIR, Bharti approached the Allahabad High Court, seeking both quashing of the FIR and protection against arrest. The High Court, however, found no grounds to intervene.
The court's decision underscores the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in India and reiterates that actions performed during live broadcasts carry significant responsibilities and potential legal consequences.
