Remarks against PM Modi: SC refuses to quash criminal proceedings against Congress leader Pawan Khera

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea by Congress leader and spokesperson Pawan Khera against the Allahabad High Court's order refusing to quash criminal proceedings for his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta said that the court was not inclined to entertain the plea against the action initiated for a remark saying "Narendra Gautam Das Modi" during a press conference in Mumbai.

The bench said that wishing away an offence was not possible. The court told Khera's counsel that he sought to rely upon apologies.

Khera had introduced 'Gautam Das' in PM Narendra Modi's name on February 17, 2023. Subsequently, he withdrew the remark.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, contended that the reply was filed on the basis of charge sheet.

On March 20, 2023, the Supreme Court had consolidated three FIRs filed against Khera to Hazratganj Police station in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Khera was arrested by the Assam Police, and was stopped by Delhi Police from boarding the plane at the airport in the national capital on February 23, 2023 on a request received from the Assam Police to stop him in connection with the FIR pertaining to his alleged comment on Modi.

Earlier, the Assam Police had registered a case against the Congress leader in the Dima Hasao district. Two separate FIRs were registered against Khera in Varanasi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Within hours of his arrest from Delhi on February 23, Khera was ordered to be released on interim bail by the top court.