A Lucknow court has ordered a case against anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and Aaj Tak over a show on Partition, accused of promoting communal discord. The complaint was filed by retired IPS officer Amitabh Thakur under BNS Sections 196 and 197.
Lucknow: On September 5, A Judicial Magistrate Court in Lucknow has ordered the registration of a case against Aaj Tak’s senior anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and the channel itself. The case has been filed by retired IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, who is also the president of the Azad Adhikar Sena.
He alleged that an episode of Kashyap’s show “Black and White” promoted communal hatred.
The case falls under Sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion) and 197 (imputing public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The controversy revolves around the episode aired on August 14, 2025, titled
“भारत विभाजन का मकसद पूरा क्यों नहीं हुआ” (Why the Purpose of India’s Partition Was Not Fulfilled).
The show has been accused of encouraging Hindu-Muslim division at a politically sensitive time, just before the Bihar Assembly elections in November 2025.
The Complaint and Court Order
The program was broadcast live on television and streamed online through YouTube and Facebook. According to Amitabh Thakur, the content was “inflammatory” and designed to promote enmity between communities.
When the Lucknow Police refused to file an FIR on his complaint, Thakur approached the Judicial Magistrate (JM) III Court. On September 2, 2025, the court ordered the registration of a parivad (complaint case) and asked the authorities to investigate.
Thakur later posted on X (@Amitabhthakur, September 2, 2025) describing the episode as a “deliberate attempt to create communal discord”, pointing to specific remarks he claimed twisted history and encouraged division. The court has now scheduled a hearing for late September 2025.
Details of the Controversial Show
The “Black and White” episode focused on the Partition of India in 1947, a subject that is still extremely emotional and sensitive. Thakur’s complaint said that the way the debate was conducted portrayed some communities unfairly.
Panelists included historians and political commentators. But Kashyap, as the anchor, was accused of “biased questioning” that highlighted divisive remarks.
On September 3, 2025, a clip of the show was posted by @4pmnews_network on X. The video showed Kashyap asking questions about the “failure of partition’s objectives.” Some viewers argued this implied that Muslims were to blame for present-day problems. The post called the show “hate-mongering” and demanded strict action against Aaj Tak.
Kashyap’s Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Kashyap has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons:
- In 2019, she was slammed for interrupting doctors inside a Bihar hospital ICU during coverage of an encephalitis outbreak. Many said she disrupted treatment for television drama. She defended herself at the time, saying on X: “The truth of mismanagement and indifference in these hospitals had to be brought out.” (@anjanaomkashyap, June 19, 2019).
- In 2021, diplomat Sneha Dubey asked her to leave a room during a live broadcast at the UN, an incident that went viral.
- In June 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered a YouTube channel impersonating her to be removed after a deepfake video controversy.
Political Reactions
The case has created strong political ripples.
Thakur himself told the Hindi outlet Pardaphash on September 2, 2025: “Media houses like Aaj Tak have a responsibility to avoid content that divides society. This program crossed that line.”
The RJD and Congress have used the case to attack the BJP, accusing Aaj Tak of being close to the ruling party.
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), in a speech at Patna on September 4, 2025, said Kashyap was “running the BJP’s agenda.” He also referred to a 2025 X post (@Amockx2022, August 22) which criticized her reporting during an India-Pakistan war debate.
- Jairam Ramesh (Congress MP) wrote on X: “Anchors like Anjana Om Kashyap thrive on division, not journalism.”
The BJP, however, has not commented officially. A few supporters, such as @DilipJaiswalBJP, have defended her, claiming the case is an effort to silence “bold journalism.”
They also said it was a way to shift attention from the opposition’s own controversies, like the derogatory remarks against PM Modi’s mother during the Voter Adhikar Yatra.
Kashyap and Aaj Tak’s Position
So far, neither Kashyap nor Aaj Tak has issued a formal response. Based on her past record, Kashyap may defend herself by framing the case as an attack on press freedom.
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Aaj Tak, part of the TV Today Network, has often been accused of being establishment-friendly. In December 2019, The Caravan called Kashyap an “establishment-friendly anchor.”
The channel may argue that the episode was a historical debate protected under freedom of speech, but the court’s move indicates that every word will be examined under the new BNS laws.
Larger Impact
The timing of the case, just before the Bihar elections, adds to its significance. Critics say that debates like this risk increasing polarization, while supporters argue that such discussions fall under the right to free expression.
The Pew Research Study (2024) found that 62% of Indians believe news channels contribute to communal tensions. That concern is now being echoed again through this case.
For Kashyap, known for her hard-hitting shows like Halla Bol and Special Report, the case adds to her controversial image. Supporters call her fearless, while critics call her sensationalist.
On social media platform X, reactions are sharply divided:
- Supporters of Thakur’s complaint, such as @4pmnews_network, welcomed the court’s move as a victory against “hate-mongering media.”
- Others, such as @FinMinIndia, argued that the case is “politically motivated” and aimed at suppressing freedom of the press.
- Earlier, in June 2025, a doctored video falsely showed Kashyap apologizing for biased reporting. This was exposed by @zoo_bear on June 16, 2025.
What Lies Ahead
The Lucknow court’s decision to take up the matter means a detailed inquiry will now follow. If charges are framed, it could become one of the first major cases under the BNS laws related to media conduct.
The outcome may affect the future of debate shows that deal with communal or historical topics. It also puts the spotlight back on the balance between journalistic freedom and social responsibility in Indian media.
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