Noida Woman Faces Charges for Alleged Defamatory Video Against PM Modi Amid Youth Protests

A resident of Noida has been charged by the police following her social media video that allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident occurred during recent youth protests at Jantar Mantar, leading to a first information report (FIR) filed against 25-year-old Ruchika Singh.

The FIR, as reported by local news sources, cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which include provisions related to intentional insult aimed at inciting public disorder, statements that could lead to public mischief, and defamation. The legal action was initiated after a complaint was lodged by Smriti Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad, who accused Ruchika Singh of using abusive language against the Prime Minister that allegedly undermined the dignity of his office.

Smriti Singh’s complaint articulates concerns that the remarks made on social media not only disrespected a constitutional authority but were also intended to incite hatred and disturb public peace. This action against Ruchika Singh follows a broader trend of scrutiny over social media content relating to political figures, specifically after the Delhi Police registered an FIR involving another individual for similar allegations against the Prime Minister.

In that earlier case, the police launched an investigation under charges of criminal intimidation, public mischief, and defamation, leading to a request to social media platforms to remove content deemed derogatory towards constitutional heads. The police have proactively sought details from X, the platform where the alleged posts were made, to assist in their investigations.

These developments highlight the increasing tensions surrounding political discourse in India, especially among youth who have taken to the streets to express their views. As protests gain momentum, authorities are responding with legal actions aimed at curbing what they perceive as harmful rhetoric on social media. Such measures raise questions about freedom of expression and the boundaries of acceptable political criticism in a democratic society.

Source: scroll.in