Woman Booked Over Alleged Remarks Against PM Modi

A 25-year-old woman associated with a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against paper leaks has come under police scrutiny after allegedly making objectionable comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The woman, identified as Ruchika Singh, is accused of using inappropriate language during the demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on July 23.

Zero FIR Filed, Case Moved to Parliament Street Police

A complaint was filed against Singh alleging that her remarks demeaned the office of the Prime Minister and carried the potential to disturb public order. Acting on this complaint, authorities registered a Zero FIR at the Expressway Police Station in Noida on July 29. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covering incitement to breach the peace, conduct likely to cause public mischief, and defamation. The case has since been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, which will now handle further investigation.

CJP and Delhi Government Reactions

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das criticised the move to pursue criminal charges against a protester, arguing that even if certain language used was inappropriate, resorting to criminal law against demonstrators sets a troubling precedent and could discourage people from participating in peaceful protests.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government sought to reassure student protesters, stating that no legal action would be initiated against demonstrators who have no prior criminal record. Officials indicated that action would be reserved specifically for those with a history of offences, while peaceful protest activity would continue to receive support.

The case has sparked wider debate over the boundaries between free expression during protests and the use of criminal law to address alleged insults to public officials, with civil society voices calling for restraint in such matters.