Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has filed a formal complaint against India TV host Saurav Sharma, accusing him of propagating anti-Islamic narratives and spreading divisive rhetoric in his show “Coffee Par Kurukshetra.”
The 34-minute episode – “UP Mein Patharbazo Ki Fauj Kaha Se Aayi” (From where did the army of stone-pelters come in UP) which aired against the backdrop of communal tensions in Bahraich, featured a panel discussion that portrayed Muslims in a negative light and promoted harmful stereotypes. CJP argued that Sharma and his guests labelled Muslim-majority areas as “sensitive,” implying inherent aggression, which deepened social divides.
CJP took issue with provocative statements made during the broadcast. Professor Sangeet Ragi, a guest on the panel, was quoted saying that Hindus must “take sticks and come out on the streets” to confront what he described as the “mind-set of Islam.” The complaint criticised Sharma for failing to challenge these remarks, alleging that the host instead reinforced the divisive narrative by citing misleading reports about Muslim communities.
“By portraying Muslims as enemies of the nation and framing violence as an inevitable response, the show fosters communal hatred and incites potential violence,” the complaint stated.
CJP also condemned remarks by panellist Shantanu Gupta, who falsely implied that the Azaan promotes hostility by proclaiming the supremacy of one God. “This interpretation of the Azaan is deeply flawed,” the CJP complaint stressed.
“The Azaan is a call to worship that reflects spiritual unity, not antagonism toward other faiths.” The organisation emphasised that rhetoric like Gupta’s not only distorts religious practices but also legitimises vigilantism.
CJP further urged the News Broadcasting Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) to address Sharma’s failure to maintain neutrality, warning that such programmes undermine communal harmony by promoting hostility and distrust.
