SC transfers FIRs against Pawan Khera to Lucknow

The Supreme Court on Monday extended the interim bail it had earlier granted to Congress leader Pawan Kher for his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi till April 10. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwal struck down and transferred all the hate speech cases registered against the Congress leader to the Lucknow court.

The Supreme Court said Khera will have to appear before a court in Lucknow and seek proper bail. An FIR was lodged against Kher at Cantonment police station in Varanasi, another at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and a third in Assam.

“We direct and order that the FIRs registered in Varanasi and Assam be transferred to Hazratganj Lucknow police station. The interim protection is extended until April 10, 2023. The petitioner will have the opportunity to apply for proper bail in the relevant court," the high court said in its ruling.

The Supreme Court was dealing with Khera's plea, which was limited to whether the FIRs against Khera should be struck before a single court. The Supreme Court issued a notice on Khera's prayer in relation to the FIR registered by UP and Assam arising out of a statement in a television programme. The Supreme Court issued an interim order granting protection to Khere from arrest.

"To protect the petitioner till he applies for proper bail in the competent court in respect of all the FIRs, we direct till the next date of listing that the petitioner be released on interim bail by the Delhi court this evening," the apex court ordered. after being approached by Khera after she was arrested by the Assam Police. Protection from arrest was later extended by the Supreme Court from time to time.

The Congress leader was arrested by the Assam Police on February 23 for his remarks against Prime Minister Modi. During the press conference, Khera incorrectly named the Prime Minister as Narendra Gautamdas Modi, triggering a strong reaction from the BJP. The Prime Minister's full name is Narendra Damodardas Modi, with Damodardas being his father's name.