SC refuses to quash criminal proceedings against Congress Spokesperson Pawan Khera over his derogatory comment about PM Narendra Modi

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) was hearing a special leave petition filed by Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera against the Allahabad High Court’s order refusing to quash criminal proceedings against him over his derogatory comment about Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. The bench consisting of Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice BR Gavai dismissed the petition and refused to quash criminal proceedings against him. Congress Spokesperson is facing charges under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 153A (‘Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence’), Section 153B (‘Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), Section 500 (‘Punishment for defamation’), and Section 504 (‘Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace’). During the court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the State of Uttar Pradesh stated that the reply to Pawan Khera’s SPL has been filed on the grounds of the chargesheet. Further, Justice Gavai told the Senior Advocate appearing for Khera, Salman Khurshid, “They have only relied on the chargesheet. But, now you go on seeking apologies and apologies.” He further dismissed the SPL stating, “Anyway, sorry, we are not inclined.”