Guwahati: The Supreme Court (SC) of India criticised suspended Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Nupur Sharma on Friday alleging that she is to blame for the developments taking place in the nation and making reference to the beheading of a man in Udaipur of Rajasthan.
The BJP spokesperson was suspended after making offensive remarks about the Prophet Muhammad that sparked a public outrage in India and prompted criticism from middle-eastern Islamic countries.
The SC was debating Nupur Sharma’s request to transfer all FIRs brought against her to Delhi. Before the court, her attorney stated that she was under threat.
The top court stated that Sharma should apologise to the entire country since she is “single-handedly responsible” for what is taking place in the country.
Justice Surya Kant said, “We watched the discussion on how she was incited. But it is terrible how she said all of this and then claimed to be a lawyer. She ought to apologise to the entire nation.”
“She faces threats or she has become security threat? The way she has ignited emotions across the country. This lady is single handedly responsible for what is happening in the country,” Justice Kant added.
The court said that her remarks highlighted her “obstinate and arrogant character”.
Justice Kant said, “What if she is a party spokesman. She believes she has additional authority and is free to speak her mind without regard for the law.”
Her attorney retorted that Sharma had just reacted in response to the anchor’s query during a television debate.
The judge then remarked that the host should have also been the target of a case. Then, according to her attorney, there would be no right for anyone to speak in that scenario.
In a mocking tone, the Supreme Court said, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to speak. The donkey has the right to eat, and the grass has the right to flourish in a democracy.
Sharma’s claim that journalistic freedom should be protected did not fare well either, as the SC noted: “She cannot be put on the pedestal of a journalist.”
When she criticises others during a TV debate and makes careless words without considering the effects they will have on society as a whole, the SC added.