Karnataka HC gives extension on interim protection against coercive action to news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary

Although the matter was scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, the hearing could not take place owing to a lack of time.

The original protection against coercive action was granted last Friday with regard to the FIR which had been filed under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505 (statement conducive to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the complaint, during a show, Chaudhary had alleged that a Karnataka government scheme — offering subsidies to the members of minority communities to buy commercial vehicles — was restricted to Muslims and not extended to the majority community.

The protection against coercive action had been granted at the time with the bench noting that the case did not require custodial interrogation.

However, no interim stay has been granted with regard to the investigation of the case.