The Supreme Court has dismissed the plea of BJP worker Gurudath Shetty Karkala, refusing any protection, after he faced multiple cases for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies. The Court emphasized accountability and abuse of fundamental rights.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by BJP worker Gurudath Shetty Karkala, who is facing multiple criminal cases for criticising and opposing the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Court declined to grant any interim protection, observing that the petitioner had “brazenly abused” his fundamental rights.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter.
During the hearing, counsel appearing for Karkala submitted that the petitioner was facing several cases for expressing criticism against the Prime Minister’s policies. The advocate urged the Court to grant protection in anticipation of more cases being filed against him.
“The petitioner is facing multiple cases for criticising and opposing the Prime Minister’s policies. Some protection may be granted in case more cases are filed,”
the advocate submitted.
Supreme Court’s Observations
Rejecting the plea, CJI Surya Kant made strong oral observations, stating that the petitioner had failed to show any repentance for his conduct.
“You show no repentance. The petitioner has brazenly abused his fundamental rights. In such circumstances, this Court cannot extend discretionary relief,”
the Chief Justice said.
The Bench subsequently dismissed the petition.
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While dismissing the plea, the Supreme Court granted liberty to the petitioner to pursue appropriate legal remedies before the jurisdictional High Court.
“The petition is dismissed. The petitioner is at liberty to avail appropriate remedies before the jurisdictional High Court,”
the Court held.
Following the dismissal, the petitioner’s counsel sought limited protection for a period of seven days. However, the request was firmly rejected by the Court.
“There is no question of granting any protection,”
CJI Surya Kant stated.
The case arises from a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a parody account called “Jawaharlal Nehru Satire.” Gurudath Shetty claimed he only shared the content from the account with a question mark and did not create it himself.
The parody account, @The_Nehru, which has a blue tick, is currently withheld in India and frequently posts sarcastic and critical comments about the Modi government.
Shetty, identified as a ‘BJP worker’, often retweets these posts.
An FIR was filed against him under bailable offenses specified in Sections 336(4) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following accusations that the post aimed to defame the Prime Minister.
Shetty, a Bengaluru resident, also raised concerns about procedural irregularities. He reported an incident on November 10 when Ahmedabad police allegedly visited his home without a warrant, briefly detained him, and issued a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Case Title:
GURUDATH SHETTY K V STATE OF GUJARAT
W.P.(Crl.) No. 515/2025
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