Brinda Karat moves Delhi HC, challenges order refusing hate speech FIR against Anurag Thakur, Pravesh Verma

CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat told the Delhi High Court on Thursday that the FIR against him for alleged hate speeches by Union Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Pravesh Verma in connection with the protests against the amended Citizenship Act (CAA) at Shaheen Bagh.

The CPI (M) leader has challenged the lower court’s order dismissing his petition.  The petition appealed to be directed to register an FIR against both the leaders. 

Justice Yogesh Khanna, after hearing the arguments, asked Brinda’s lawyer and Delhi Police to file relevant decision in support of their arguments.

The advocate representing Vrinda said that the complaint was kept pending in the lower court for 9 months and thereafter the magistrate dismissed the petition and even did not consider the merits of the case.  He said that a cognizable offense has taken place and they are only demanding a police inquiry into the subject.  The petition argues that the government and the police overcame the speeches of the accused, in which case the petitioners contend that they have only judicial remedies.

 Brinda claimed in her complaint that Anurag Thakur and Verma tried to provoke people, resulting in 3 incidents of firing at 2 protest sites in Delhi.

The sections under which the action is sought in the complaint, can be punishable with imprisonment for a maximum of 7 years if the charge is proved. 

The CPI (M) leader had alleged that at the Rithala rally Thakur, the Union Minister of State for Finance, on 27 January incited the crowd to chant Shoot traitors after criticizing anti-CAA protesters. 

In this complaint, also mentioned that Verma had allegedly made provocative remarks on January 28 against anti-CAA protesters at Shaheen Bagh.

However, the court listed further hearing of the subject for November 2. 

By Priya Kumari