Court Orders Case Against Aaj Tak Anchor Anjana Om Kashyap Over Controversial Partition-Era Show

Lucknow: A local court in Lucknow has directed the registration of a complaint case against senior Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap over an episode of her television show Black and White, which aired on August 14, 2025, according to a report by Live Law.

The episode, titled “Bharat vibhajan ka maksad pura kyun nahi hua?” (Why was the purpose of India’s Partition not fulfilled?), drew criticism for its alleged communal overtones. The show was also shared on the channel’s social media platforms with the caption: “Out of 4 crore Muslims, only 96 lakh went to Pakistan! Why was the purpose of India’s Partition not fulfilled?”

The petitioner, Amitabh Thakur, a former IPS officer and leader of the political party Azad Adhikar Sena, alleged that the program was designed to provoke communal tension and create division between religious communities.

Thakur stated in his plea that the content of the show was “completely against national integration” and could incite public unrest. He said the framing of questions like “When Partition was based on religion, why did they not go to Pakistan and instead remain in India?” could be interpreted as questioning the presence of Muslims in India—posing a serious threat to communal harmony.

He first approached the Gomtinagar Police in Uttar Pradesh, seeking registration of an FIR. However, after the police allegedly failed to act, he moved the court, which has now directed that a formal complaint case be filed.

Thakur claimed that the show violates multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to:

• Promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds
• Acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony
• Statements harmful to national integration
• Public mischief

He argued that such broadcasts can encourage “intolerant persons” to consider taking action in the name of “historical correction,” thereby endangering social stability.

The court’s directive does not imply guilt but initiates legal proceedings by recognizing the allegations as serious enough to warrant judicial review.

Source: Live Law