Delhi High Court directs impartial investigation into alleged defamatory social media posts
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Prominent investigative journalist Rana Ayub suffered a setback as the Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to register an FIR against her. The case stems from accusations that Ayub made defamatory posts on the social media platform X between 2016 and 2017. These posts allegedly insulted Hindu deities, spread anti-India sentiments, and incited religious hatred.
The petition, filed by a lawyer, claims that Ayub’s posts were offensive and divisive, leading to a request for registration of an FIR. Chief Judicial Magistrate Himanshu Raman Singh ordered the police to carry out an impartial investigation.
The court, in its order dated January 25, acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations, noting that they could potentially involve multiple criminal offences. “The facts of the case prima facie show that Sections 153A (punishment for promoting enmity between different groups), 295A (malicious acts to hurt religious feelings), and 505 (statements likely to cause public disorder) are punishable offences,” the court observed.
In its ruling, the court further emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “Considering the seriousness of the allegations, an investigation is warranted. The intervention of state machinery is necessary as the complainant will not be in a position to collect evidence independently.”
The court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of South Delhi’s Cyber Police Station to convert the complaint into an FIR and conduct a fair investigation.
The court order has added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding Ayub, who has been a vocal critic of various government policies. The investigation will now determine whether the accusations hold merit and whether Ayub’s posts crossed legal boundaries.
A lawyer representing the complainant stated, “We welcome the court’s decision to initiate a proper investigation. Such matters must be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
