The Karnataka High Court has given news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary and the Aaj Tak channel a final opportunity to argue their petition to quash an FIR filed over alleged communal remarks made during a news broadcast. The FIR pertains to Chaudhary’s coverage of the Svalambi Sarathi Scheme of the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation Ltd, a vehicle subsidy scheme for minority communities. The FIR alleges that on September 11, 2023, Chaudhary claimed on air that the Karnataka government was providing the scheme exclusively to minorities and not to non-minority Hindus, accusing the state of practicing minority appeasement. These statements led to charges under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code, each carrying up to three years imprisonment.
On the latest hearing, the Karnataka High Court bench, presided over by Justice J. M. Khazi, scheduled the matter for final arguments on October 13, directing that if the petitioners fail to proceed on that date, their petition will be dismissed for non-prosecution. Chaudhary’s counsel informed that an earlier oral undertaking was given not to take precipitous action, and said that the police have since issued notices for appearance. It was affirmed that Chaudhary is cooperating with the investigation.
The complaint that triggered the FIR was lodged by the Administrative Officer of the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation. The complainant alleged that Chaudhary, despite being aware of the content of his broadcast, published information that would stir communal disharmony. Specifically, it was alleged that by asserting the scheme was only for minorities, Chaudhary intended to mislead the public into believing that non-minority Hindus were being excluded, thereby fostering discontent.
During the hearing, the court noted earlier contentions by Chaudhary’s counsel that the initial statements were nuanced. They had argued the budget announcement mentioned inclusivity—minorities, SC/ST communities—while the later broadcast clarified or limited the beneficiary category. However, the court observed that the first broadcast had said the scheme was extended only to minority communities without mentioning Hindus or elaborating further.
The High Court has already disposed of a prior application filed in 2023 seeking a stay of investigation, which the petitioners withdrew, and another similar one in 2025 seeking the same relief. The court made clear today that investigation may continue unless the petitioners succeed in getting the FIR quashed.
Justice Khazi also questioned the role of media in providing information that is precise and does not mislead. The court remarked that while reporting state schemes is legitimate, the way information is presented can matter—especially in sensitive communal contexts where allegations of favouritism or discrimination can inflame divisions. The court emphasized that average persons may be misled, and responsible media reporting demands care.
In sum, the High Court has granted Sudhir Chaudhary his “last chance” to argue the petition to quash the FIR. It has set a hearing date, underscored the seriousness of allegations under IPC sections dealing with communal harmony and public mischief, and clarified that non-compliance with hearings may lead to dismissal of the petition. The investigation into the broadcast remains alive, and counsel for both sides will be expected to present full arguments on whether the FIR should stand.
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