Why Congress leader Pawan Khera has been booked, and what Supreme Court said

Congress leader Pawan Khera has been booked for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the Hindu community during a TV debate in 2018. The complaint was filed against him by a BJP leader, who claimed that Khera had hurt the sentiments of Hindus by making derogatory remarks against them.

In response to the complaint, the Delhi Police had registered an FIR against Khera in 2018 under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc.

Khera had challenged the FIR in the Delhi High Court, but the court had refused to quash the FIR and had asked the police to investigate the matter further. Khera then moved the Supreme Court, which had stayed the investigation against him in January 2020.

Recently, the Supreme Court lifted the stay on the investigation and allowed the Delhi Police to proceed with the investigation against Khera. However, the court also made it clear that the investigation should be carried out in accordance with the law and without any prejudice or bias.

The court observed that Khera's remarks were "potentially dangerous and inciting," and could have led to communal tensions. The court also noted that freedom of speech and expression is not an absolute right and is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, decency, and morality.

The Supreme Court's decision has been welcomed by the BJP, which has accused Khera and the Congress party of playing divisive politics. However, Khera and the Congress party have denied the allegations and have accused the BJP of trying to suppress dissenting voices.

The case against Khera is a reminder that freedom of speech and expression comes with responsibility, and that individuals must be careful while exercising this right. It also highlights the need for a nuanced and balanced approach to sensitive issues, so as to avoid any unintended consequences.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's decision to allow the investigation against Pawan Khera to proceed is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that freedom of speech and expression must be exercised responsibly. It is also a reminder that the law must be applied in a fair and unbiased manner, without any political or ideological influence.