Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police File Cases Over Alleged Offensive Posts Against PM Modi

Legal Action Initiated Against Social Media Users

The Cyber Crime Police in Hyderabad have initiated legal proceedings against several social media users and the head of Meta India following complaints from BJP workers regarding allegedly offensive posts about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cases were registered under various sections of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code after a complaint was lodged on July 29 by a member of the Telangana unit's social media core committee. A police official stated, 'These cases have been filed against those who posted the content and how the platforms allowed it.'

The first case involves users on Instagram and Facebook, as well as the head of Meta India. The complainant has requested an investigation into certain Instagram accounts that reportedly made derogatory comments against PM Modi. The complaint suggests that such content appears to promote discourse against the country's sovereignty, integrity, and public order.

N.V. Subhash, the chief spokesperson for the BJP's Telangana unit, called for immediate and stringent legal action against those responsible for derogatory posts targeting PM Modi during the NEET question paper leak protests. He emphasized that freedom of expression should not be misused as a license for organized defamation or to tarnish someone's image.

Subhash raised a fundamental constitutional question: whether repeated and organized public derogatory remarks against a person in a constitutional position fall within the scope of free speech or warrant legal action for misconduct. He stated that while the Constitution protects freedom, it does not justify breaking the law. He added that rights come with responsibilities, and accountability arises when legal boundaries are allegedly crossed.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Meta stated that they are in contact with the relevant agencies and are cooperating to resolve the matter.