FIRs over online posts targeting PM
The Delhi Police has registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against several X social media accounts for allegedly posting content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Authorities have also directed the platform to remove the identified posts and provide complete subscriber details as part of the investigation. Officials noted that further action may be taken as the investigation progresses. Investigators are still assessing whether the posts constitute offences under the BNS and other relevant laws.
The FIR originates from a complaint alleging that “derogatory, malicious and defamatory” content targeting constitutional functionaries was circulated on the platform. The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell registered the case.
Police stated that seven to eight X accounts have been named in one FIR and cases have been registered for criminal intimidation, circulating false information, rumours, or alarming news through electronic means, and defamation.
Notices issued by the IFSO under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, direct X to disable access to several identified URLs.
One such notice, reviewed by The Pioneer, is titled “Intimation to Intermediary for Disabling Access to Unlawful Information” and cites Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, which states that intermediaries are required to remove or restrict access to unlawful content within three hours of receiving actual knowledge and to preserve the relevant electronic records.
The notice states that Delhi Police has determined that identified URLs on X contained content allegedly prohibited by law. It references a specific X post and explains that the material under investigation was considered unlawful, prompting the takedown order.
It also references an FIR registered by the Special Cell under various BNS provisions, stating that the circulation of the content allegedly caused serious harm to the Prime Minister’s reputation, dignity, and public image, and had the potential to disturb public order and create unnecessary controversy, according to sources.
Police sources reported that some posts under investigation were uploaded during and after the July 20 Sansad Chalo protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
A senior Delhi Police officer told The Pioneer that this action is part of routine monitoring and is not limited to content targeting the PM. “This is a routine process. Delhi Police continuously monitors social media platforms to identify and remove posts containing derogatory or defamatory content, fake news, deepfakes, or material that harms the integrity and reputation of individuals,” the officer said.
Investigators are currently working to identify the individuals operating the accounts, assess the intent behind the posts, and analyze the digital evidence received from the platform. Police stated that further legal action will be based on the information provided by X and the results of the ongoing investigation.
