FIR Against Abhijit Iyer-Mitra Put On Hold; Court Says No One Was Specifically Named

A Delhi court has thrown a temporary wrench into efforts to initiate criminal proceedings against political commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, holding that there is “no exigency” to register an FIR before hearing his defence.

In a dispute centered around allegedly offensive social media posts targeting NewsLaundry Managing Editor Manisha Pande, the Saket Court observed that the controversial content was in the form of shayari, that no individual was specifically named, and that the meaning of the words would require closer judicial scrutiny before the criminal law could be set in motion.

"...it stands revealed that the objectionable material (documentary in nature) claimed to be basis of complaint is in knowledge and possession of both the parties and identity of the revisionist/accused is well established and is not in dispute. Furthermore, the alleged derogatory words are in form of shayari but no individual has been specifically named therein and the meticulous interpretation of the words and sentences used can only be done after hearing both the parties on merits on the revision petition. Even otherwise, no prejudice shall be caused to the respondent/complainant, in case, the operation of the impugned order is stayed till final disposal of the revision petition on merits, " Additional Sessions Judge Purshotam Pathak noted in his order.

Notably, a plea was filed by Newslaundry Editorial Director Manisha Pande seeking registration of an FIR against commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra over alleged abusive and sexually coloured remarks made on social media targeting her and other women employees of the media platform.

The case pertains to a revision application filed by Pande challenging earlier proceedings relating to her request for registration of an FIR against Mitra.

Notably, on May 22, the Court had refused to urgently take up a plea filed by Pande. The matter was mentioned before Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Purshotam Pathak after the Delhi High Court on had set aside a sessions court order that had stayed a magistrate’s earlier direction to register an FIR against Mitra. Justice Girish Kathpalia remanded the matter back to the sessions court for fresh consideration.

The magistrate’s order that was stayed on May 4, had allowed registration of an FIR on Pande’s complaint, holding that Mitra’s posts on social media platform X amounted to “sexually coloured remarks” intended to insult the modesty of the complainant. The court had observed that the allegations disclosed cognizable offences under Sections 75(3) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “On perusal of the material placed on record, this Court is of the view that the content posted by the accused qualifies as sexually coloured remarks and appears intended to insult the modesty of the complainant. Therefore, on perusal of the application and the material placed on record by the complainant, this Court is of the view that the content of the tweets posted by the accused on “X” platform discloses commission of cognizable offences under section 75(3) and 79 of BNS,” the court noted, adding that Pande had been specifically named in at least one of the tweets.

The journalists have also approached the Delhi High Court with separate civil proceedings seeking damages of ₹2 crore, a public apology, and a permanent injunction against Iyer-Mitra, alleging a sustained campaign of defamation and harassment. In May 2025, the High Court had recorded Iyer-Mitra’s undertaking to delete certain posts, though the defamation suit remains pending.

Case Title: Abhijit Iyer Mitra v. State (NCT of Delhi) and Ors.

Bench: Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Purushottam Pathak

Order Date: June 9, 2026