Supreme Court rejects plea seeking arrest of Nupur Sharma over Prophet remarks

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to engage in a plea seeking directions to the authorities to act and arrest former BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her alleged remarks on the Prophet Muhammad during a television debate.

The petition filed by Advocate Abu Sohel sought directions for 'independent, credible and impartial investigation' into the matter.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit suggested to the petitioner to withdraw the plea.

"…This may sound simple and innocuous but it has far-reaching consequences. The court should be circumspect while issuing directions. We would suggest you to withdraw," Live Law quoted CJI UU Lalit as saying.

Notably, granting some relief to the now suspended BJP leader, the Supreme Court last month clubbed and transferred all FIRs filed against her in different states in the matter to Delhi. During the said hearing, the Supreme Court also noted that till the probe is completed, the protection from arrest for Sharma shall continue in all pending and future FIRs.

Nupur Sharma's remarks over Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate didn't go down well with the public as massive protests erupted throughout the county. The international community also registered strong objections to her comments. BJP distanced itself from the leader and the remarks made by her.

Meanwhile, Congress' Rashid Alvi questioned why Nupur Sharma was not arrested 'yet'. "No legal action has been taken (against Nupur Sharma) so far. SC had earlier said that whatever is happening in this country is because of her. Why she has not been arrested so far?" Alvi said in a conversation with Times Now.

Earlier, the Supreme court had refused to transfer all FIRs registered against her to Delhi. During the hearing, a bench of justices Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala passed scathing remarks on the matter, that had come under criticism.

While hearing Sharma's plea, a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala observed that she 'threatened the security of the nation'. 'The way she has ignited emotions across the country... This lady is single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country.'