The Supreme Court will hear journalist Abhisar Sharma’s plea on Thursday, challenging an FIR filed by Assam Police over his video post. Sharma argues the case targets his criticism of state policies, raising vital questions on free speech.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition on Thursday from journalist Abhisar Sharma, who is seeking to quash an FIR filed against him by the Assam Police.
This FIR stems from a video post in which Sharma allegedly criticized the state’s policies.
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh is expected to review Sharma’s plea, submitted through his lawyer, Sumeer Sodhi.
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In his petition, Sharma contests the legitimacy of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to actions that threaten the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Reports indicate that the FIR was lodged at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station following a complaint from Alok Baruah.
The complaint claims that Sharma’s video, uploaded on his YouTube channel on August 8, has the potential to incite communal tension and distrust towards state authorities.
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In the video, Sharma highlights recent comments made by the Gauhati High Court, questioning why 3,000 bighas of land in the tribal Dima Hasao district were allocated to a private company for a cement factory.
Sharma faces charges under several sections of the BNS, including 152 and 196, which address the promotion of enmity between groups.
Case Title: Abhisar Sharma vs Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: W.P. (Crl.) No. 338/2025