One-liner: The SC on Wednesday granted liberty to Alt News co-founder Mohammad Zubair to approach the Delhi HC for quashing of the FIR lodged against him at Sitapur in UP.
To be decided on merit: It said Zubair's petition will be decided on its own merit, uninfluenced by the order of the Allahabad HC, which had denied him the relief.
Cases transferred: A bench noted that all the cases lodged against Zubair in UP, including that in Sitapur, have been transferred as per the top court's order dated July 20 to the Special Cell of Delhi police for investigation.
Appeal against HC order: At the outset, advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Zubair said this is an appeal filed against the Allahabad HC order dated June 10, 2022, rejecting his plea for quashing of the FIR.
No reason for deprivation of liberty: The court had said it finds no reason or justification for the deprivation of his liberty to persist any further and ordered disbanding of the SIT, constituted by the UP police, to probe the cases.
UP govt's prayer rejected: It had also rejected the UP govt's prayer to restrain Zubair from tweeting in the future, with a retort: Can a lawyer be restrained from arguing?
Source: PTI