In a recent development, the Supreme Court has rejected Congress leader Pawan Kheras plea seeking the quashing of the FIR and criminal proceedings against him for alleged objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The apex court upheld the decision of the Allahabad High Court.No Interference with High Court OrderA bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta declined to interfere with the High Courts order, stating, Sorry, we are not inclined. The dismissal of the plea means that the FIR and criminal proceedings against Khera will proceed.Background: Alleged Mispronunciation of PMs NamePawan Khera had challenged the Allahabad High Courts decision, which had refused to quash criminal proceedings against him for allegedly mispronouncing the Prime Ministers name as Narendra Gautam Das Modi during a press conference.High Courts Stand on EvidenceThe High Court, on August 17, 2023, dismissed Kheras plea, citing that the evidence collected by the investigating officer could not be evaluated in the petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for quashing the case.Transfer of FIRs to LucknowOn March 20, 2023, the Supreme Court consolidated three FIRs against Khera from Assam and Uttar Pradesh related to his remarks and transferred the case to the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow. The court also granted interim bail to Khera, which was subsequently extended.Congress Spokespersons ApologyPawan Khera, a Congress spokesperson, had tendered an unconditional apology in court for the alleged remarks. Despite the apology, the legal proceedings against him continue.Charges and ArrestKhera is facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting communal enmity, imputations prejudicial to national integration, defamation, and insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace. He was arrested in Assam on February 23, 2023, and the top court granted him interim bail on the same day.
