Allahabad High Court Denies Bail for Social Media Misuse Case
The Allahabad High Court has rejected a bail application from a man accused of misusing social media to post offensive content against Prime Minister Modi and the Indian Armed Forces. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal highlighted that the right to free speech is not absolute and cannot be used to insult constitutional authorities or spread hatred. The accused faces serious charges under the Indian Penal Code for allegedly spreading false allegations during a military standoff between India and Pakistan. This case underscores the court's commitment to addressing the misuse of social media platforms.
| Jul 4, 2025, 12:32 IST
Court's Strong Stance on Social Media Misuse
The Allahabad High Court has taken a firm stance against the misuse of social media, rejecting a bail application from a man accused of posting offensive content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Armed Forces. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal emphasized that the right to freedom of speech and expression, as granted by the Constitution, is not absolute and cannot be used to justify actions that insult high constitutional authorities or promote discord.
Concerns Over False Allegations and Hate Speech
The court remarked that it has become common for certain groups to misuse the freedom of expression to spread baseless allegations against national leaders and disseminate hate-filled content. The accused, a resident of Hathras district, faces charges under sections 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) and 197 (allegations adversely affecting national unity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), based on an FIR lodged at the Sasni police station.
Details of the Allegations
According to the prosecution, Khan recently uploaded edited videos on his Facebook account during the India-Pakistan military standoff. One video allegedly depicted Prime Minister Modi walking alongside a donkey pulling a vehicle resembling an aircraft, followed by a scene of the Prime Minister apologizing to Pakistan. Another post purportedly showed Wing Commander Vyamika Singh of the Indian Air Force seated next to the Pakistani Army Chief, mocking India's defense preparedness in the caption.