Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on July 4, 2022
NCW seeks action against Akhilesh Yadav for tweet on Nupur Sharma
In the tweet, the SP supremo shared the Supreme Court’s observations on Nupur Sharma, while writing, “Not only the face but the body should also apologise and should be punished for disturbing the harmony of the country.”
The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma wrote to Director General of Police (DGP) Uttar Pradesh D S Chauhan on Monday, asking the police to take action against Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav for a tweet on former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma last week and provide an action report within three days.
In the tweet, the SP supremo shared the Supreme Court’s observations on Nupur Sharma, while writing, “Not only the face but the body should also apologise and should be punished for disturbing the harmony of the country.”
Nupur Sharma had made derogatory comments against the Prophet on a TV debate, resulting in a backlash that led to her suspension from the party.
The Commission has said that Yadav’s Twitter post instigates a “feeling of hatred and ill-will against Nupur Sharma, also inciting communal disharmony between the two religious groups which is extremely condemnable.’’
In her letter today, Rekha Sharma said that action must be taken against Yadav under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation, Section 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). All three sections carry penalties of imprisonment.
“Considering the gravity of the matter, you are required to take immediate action against Akhilesh Yadav under the aforesaid provisions of the IPC along with other relevant provisions of the law. The statement of Akhilesh Yadav is unsolicited as the matter is already being looked into by the judiciary. Nupur Sharma is already facing threat to her life and the tweet of Akhilesh is a sheer instigation of the general public to assault Ms Sharma,” Rekha Sharma wrote.
She has further asked the DGP to submit an action taken report with the Commission within the next three days.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog
Advertisement