New Delhi: A 25-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest over alleged paper leaks at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, even as the Delhi government has announced that it will not pursue legal action against most protesters arrested during the demonstrations.
According to police, the woman, identified as Ruchika Singh, allegedly made objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest on July 23. A complaint was filed on Wednesday, alleging that her comments insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office and had the potential to incite disharmony and disturb public peace.
Based on the complaint, a Zero FIR was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to provoking a breach of peace, statements conducive to public mischief, and defamation. The case has since been transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi for further investigation.
Reacting to the FIR, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das said that while the language allegedly used by Singh may have been objectionable, invoking criminal proceedings against a protester was unwarranted.
He said that anyone aggrieved by defamatory or derogatory remarks has the option to pursue civil or criminal defamation remedies, but argued that using the criminal justice system against protesters could have a “chilling effect” on free expression.
Das also urged young people to exercise restraint in their choice of words during public protests, while maintaining that objectionable speech alone should not invite criminal prosecution. He further appealed to the police to act impartially and avoid the misuse of legal powers for political purposes.
The FIR comes a day after the Delhi government announced that it would not pursue further adverse legal action against individuals arrested during the paper leak protests, except in cases involving those with criminal antecedents.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to standing with students protesting alleged examination irregularities. However, he clarified that those with criminal histories who allegedly exploited the demonstrations to engage in violence or unlawful activities would continue to face legal action.
The protests were organised over allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in recent competitive examinations, with student groups demanding greater accountability and reforms in the examination system.
