A Delhi court has instructed the police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist Rana Ayyub over allegations of posting derogatory content on social media between 2016 and 2017. The posts are claimed to include "insults to Hindu deities, spreading anti-India sentiment, and inciting religious disharmony." The court stated that the complaint made cognisable offences and directed the police to conduct a fair investigation into the matter.
Chief Judicial Magistrate Himanshu Raman Singh was hearing an application submitted by an advocate seeking the court's direction for the registration of an FIR. The application alleged that Rana Ayyub made objectionable posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The court, in its January 25 order, observed that the allegations prima facie amounted to offences under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc.), Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).
The court deemed a police investigation necessary, given the seriousness of the allegations. It said that the police investigation was required as the complainant would not be able to gather evidence independently. The station house officer (SHO) of the cyber police station in South Delhi has been directed to convert the contents of the complaint into an FIR and to ensure a fair investigation. The court has scheduled the matter for Tuesday, January 28 to receive a compliance report on the FIR registration and investigation progress.