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Gauhati High Court Quashes FIR Against CNN-News18 Anchor Over Kamakhya Remark

The court ruled that the broadcast lacked the deliberate and malicious intent required under the cited BNS provisions.

Overview

  • Justice Shamima Jahan quashed the June 12 FIR registered by Guwahati Police’s Cyber Branch against anchor Akanksha Swarup.
  • The case arose from a June telecast in which she asked if a death could be a “tantric killing” after a visit to Kamakhya, referencing “human sacrifices.”
  • The court found Section 196(2) inapplicable and held that the requisite intent was missing under BNS Sections 299 and 302.
  • The judge described the statement as “utterly not required” and “careless” and warned that public statements must be well considered.
  • The order recorded CNN-News18’s immediate apology and deletion of related content and concluded there was no attempt to promote enmity or disharmony.