The court refused to entertain Sharma's plea seeking transfer of all FIRs against her in the matter to Delhi.
Supreme Court on Friday, 1 July, castigated Nupur Sharma for her derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad, saying that she should apologise to the whole nation.
The bench of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala made the remarks during the former Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) spokesperson's plea to move all the First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against her over the matter to Delhi. Her plea was dismissed by the court.
"The way she has ignited emotions across the country. This lady is singlehandedly responsible for what is happening in the country. We saw the debate on how she was incited...She should apologise to the whole country," Bar and Bench quoted Justice Surya Kant as saying.
Sharma's comments, delivered on national television, had provoked days-long protests and a stream of international censure – and at least two people died amidst the unrest.
In another major fallout, a tailor was brutally murdered in Udaipur for backing Sharma's views.
What Was the TV Debate For? Only to Fan an Agenda?'
Resuming the criticism of Sharma, the apex court noted that her outburst was responsible for the unfortunate incident in Udaipur, ANI reported.
Appearing for Sharma, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh contended that the FIR was filed in Delhi first. To this, the court rebuked,
"What has Delhi police done? Don't make us open our mouth. What was the TV debate for? Only to fan an agenda? Why did they choose a sub judice topic?
"When you register a FIR against someone, then they are arrested but not you. This shows your clout," the court stated during the hearing.
The Court also voiced qualms on Sharma bypassing the lower courts, to reach out to the SC for relief in the matter.
"The petition smacks of her arrogance, that the Magistrates of the country are too small for her," the court said, LiveLaw reported.
(With inputs from ANI, Bar and Bench and LiveLaw.)
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