Karnataka High Court Gives Interim Protection To Sudhir Chaudhary But Says His Report Could Create Hatred Against Minorities

The Karnataka High Court today observed that a prima facie case is made out against Aaj Tak news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary for alleged communal coverage of State's ‘Svalambi Sarathi Scheme' whereby subsidy is given to religious minorities for purchase of vehicles.

However, single bench of Justice Hemant Chandangoudar added there is no need for custodial interrogation and hence asked the Karnataka Police to not take any coercive steps against Chaudhary till final disposal of the matter next week. Aaj Tak has also approached the High Court in a separate petition. A Common order was passed in both the petitions today.

"Specific allegation (in the news report) was that government is providing scheme only to minority and depriving the Hindus. There is prima facie case to go for investigation," the Judge orally remarked during first phase of the hearing today.

While adjourning the case for final disposal on next Wednesday, it ordered, "Custodial interrogation is not required. Don't take any precipitative action."

Chaudhary is booked under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, etc.) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the India Penal Code. The offences entail a punishment of 3 years jail term.

Chaudhary's counsel Senior Advocate Uday Holla claimed that the alleged news report only mentioned that in the budget government claimed that the scheme would be open for minorities and SC/ST communities but when the scheme was announced, it was limited only to minorities.

However, the High Court pointed that such clarification was given only in a subsequent telecast. The initial report only mentioned that the incentive is being extended only to minority community and not Hindus.

"Role of media is to provide information. But this is not the (way in which) information (is) to be provided...Average man may develop hatred towards minority also, saying they have been given (incentive) and not me...It is not that benefits are given only to minorities...(incentives are given) even to corporate entities also...it is not only confined to minorities," the bench orally remarked.

The FIR said that on September 11 in a news programme, Chaudhary claimed that the Karnataka government was providing the scheme only to the minorities and not to the non-minority Hindus and that it is practicing minority appeasement in the state. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge refuted the report in social media and said that scheme was started by the previous government.

The comments in the report was regarding the ‘Svalambi Sarathi Scheme' of the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation Ltd whereby subsidy is given to religious minorities for purchase of vehicles.

The FIR is lodged on a complaint filed by the Administrative Officer of the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation Ltd.

"Despite being fully aware of the statements he is making, by publishing such news, he is hatching a conspiracy to disturb communal harmony in the state," the complainant alleged.

Live updates from hearing here.