SC refuses to quash FIRs against Arnab Goswami, no transfer of probe to CBI

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to quash the first information reports filed against Republic TVRepublic TVRepublic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami for his comments against Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the Palghar lynching case, PTI reported. The court also refused to transfer the investigation in the defamation case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

However, the bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud extended the interim protection granted to the journalist by three weeks. The top court also directed the Mumbai police commissioner to provide him protection, according to Live Law.

“There can be no quashing of FIR under Article 32,” the court said. “The petitioner has the liberty to pursue remedy before the competent court. The FIR does not cover offence of criminal defamation, therefore it is not necessary to address prayer on that issue.”