Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has quashed a criminal case against CNN-News18 anchor Akanksha Swarup over her remarks regarding alleged human sacrifices at the Maa Kamakhya temple.
The statement was made during an interview with a relative of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was reportedly killed by his wife and her boyfriend in Meghalaya earlier this year. Swarup had asked, “Since they had gone to Kamakhya, where sacrifices or human sacrifices are offered, is your family suspicious that this could be a tantric killing?”
Following the interview, the Guwahati Cyber Branch Police had registered an FIR on June 12 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Swarup challenged the FIR in court.
On October 15, Justice Shamima Jahan ruled that Swarup had no intent to create enmity or disharmony between groups, quashing the FIR. The Court, however, noted that her statement was “careless and not required” and advised public figures to ensure their remarks are carefully considered and validated.
The FIR had cited sections 196(2) (promoting enmity), 299 (malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 302 (wounding religious feelings) of the BNS. The Court found that none applied, observing that the remarks were not made in a place of worship, nor was there deliberate or malicious intent to hurt religious beliefs. The discussion was primarily about the circumstances surrounding Raghuvanshi’s death.
Swarup was represented by Senior Advocate KN Choudhury and Advocate SP Sharma, while Additional Public Prosecutor KK Das appeared for the State of Assam.
