The Rajasthan High Court has restrained the state police from taking any coercive action against Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami in a criminal case registered against him in 2022. The case, filed in connection with Republic Bharat’s coverage of the demolition of a Hindu temple in Rajgarh, Alwar district, was challenged by Goswami, who termed it as politically motivated.
Justice Farjand Ali, in his order dated March 3, ruled that no offence under Section 153A of the IPC, which deals with promoting enmity between religious groups, could be made out against Arnab Goswami. The court observed that the FIR did not specify any incriminating statements, transcripts, or evidence proving Arnab Goswami’s culpability.
“The FIR lacks essential particulars such as the exact nature of statements, transcripts, or evidence demonstrating the petitioner’s culpability,” the Court stated.
The judge further added that continuing the investigation despite a lack of evidence appeared to be an attempt to suppress journalistic freedom.
“The continued investigation, despite the apparent lack of evidence, suggests an attempt to suppress journalistic freedom and subject the petitioner to unwarranted legal proceedings,” Justice Farjand Ali remarked.
The FIR against Goswami was lodged on May 17, 2022, at Ambamata Police Station in Udaipur, based on a complaint by Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. The complaint was related to Republic Bharat’s coverage of the Alwar temple demolition. The programme had used the phrase “Jahangirpuri Ka Badla?”, questioning whether the demolition in Alwar was politically motivated.
Arnab Goswami approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR, arguing that the complaint was an attempt to harass Republic TV for its critical reporting. He asserted that the broadcast was aimed at ensuring communal harmony rather than disturbing it. He also pointed out that a Muslim group had itself filed a complaint against a Congress leader for vitiating communal harmony, reinforcing that Republic was merely exposing the issue.
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, assisted by Muktesh Maheshwari and Vandana Bhansali, appeared for Goswami, while Deputy Government Advocate Vikram Rajpurohit represented the Rajasthan government.
Justice Farjand Ali, after considering the lack of concrete allegations, concluded that the FIR seemed to be an instrument of harassment rather than a legitimate legal proceeding. The matter has now been listed for hearing after eight weeks, with Arnab Goswami continuing to enjoy interim protection until the final verdict.
