MUMBAI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to transfer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the FIRs filed against Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. They are currently being investigation by the Mumbai Police. The apex court also refused to quash the FIR lodged against him in connection with his statements made recently on the Palghar mob-lynching case.

The SC bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud and MR Shah, however, quashed the multiple FIRs lodged against Goswami in several states, which accused him of using hate speech, derogatory language against Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

On 11 May the top court had reserved its verdict on two of his petitions. They also directed that no coercive action should be taken against Goswami in the fresh FIR lodged by the Mumbai Police.

Earlier, Goswami had claimed in the court that he was interrogated by Mumbai Police for more than 12 hours concerning an FIR on alleged defamatory statements. He claimed that one of the two investigating officers who were probing the case has tested positive for Covid2019.

Also, the Maharashtra government had moved the apex court alleging that Goswami has been misusing protection granted by the top court.

During the hearing, senior advocate Harish Salve, who is representing Goswami, had argued that this case is all about a certain political party targeting a journalist. He mentioned that the complainants are members of one particular party.

Meanwhile, Goswami's interim protection from arrest has been extended for another three weeks. During this time period Goswami can seek an appropriate remedy.

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