Gauhati High Court quashes FIR against CNN-News18 anchor over claim of human sacrifice at Maa Kamakhya temple
Court finds no criminal intent or religious insult in anchor’s comments, but cautions against careless statements in public forums
The Gauhati High Court has quashed the FIR filed against CNN-News18 anchor Akanksha Swarup, who faced charges for questioning a guest about alleged human sacrifice practices at Maa Kamakhya temple during a televised interview. Justice Shamima Jahan held that Swarup’s questions did not reveal intent to promote enmity or outrage religious feelings, noting they were posed in connection with an ongoing murder investigation, not to target any religious group.
The Court clarified that the interview did not take place at a place of worship nor during religious ceremonies, and therefore did not attract Section 196(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Similarly, the judge found no evidence of a deliberate attempt to insult or wound religious beliefs under Sections 299 and 302 BNS. However, the Court cautioned Swarup that such careless remarks on public forums, made without authority or validation, could have wider implications, urging thoughtful consideration in future media appearances.
The FIR was quashed, and the anchor was discharged from all alleged offences.