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Synopsis

A local court has directed the Delhi Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist Rana Ayyub for allegedly making posts on social media deemed derogatory and inflammatory. The posts, dating back to 2016-2017, include insults to Hindu deities, anti-national sentiments, and incitement of religious disharmony.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Himanshu Raman Singh, in an order dated January 25, observed that the facts of the case prima facie indicate the commission of cognizable offences under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc.), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 505 (statements conducive to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court emphasised the need for a fair investigation into the matter.

The court’s observation came while hearing the application filed by an advocate. The plea accused Ayyub of making the offensive posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The complainant pointed to Ayyub's history of controversial statements, for instance, Ayyub previously called Lord Rama a misogynist and posted, “Ravana didn't touch Sita even though he could. Ram didn't stand for Sita even though he should have. Ravana 1 Ram 0,” in 2013. She also allegedly made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and criticised the Indian Army. Notably, Ayyub was accused of propagating the false claim that an Army officer staged an encounter—a claim now discredited as the officer in question received bail and had his life sentence suspended. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayyub allegedly posted: “What is left for a virus to kill in a morally corrupt nation,” which was viewed as an anti-national statement by the complainant.

Rana has also faced similar allegations in the past. In 2020, a Mumbai resident also lodged a police complaint against Rana Ayyub, accusing her of posting an “old” video purportedly depicting violence during the Delhi riots. The complaint alleged that Ayyub's actions were intended to spread false information and create communal disharmony in the country. The complainant claimed, “Rana is regular at posting false rumours and defaming India and the Government of India. It is very necessary to take action against her before she is successful in creating communal disharmony in the country. Arrest her and take legal action against her (sic).”

In the present case, taking into account the gravity of the allegations, the court directed the station house officer (SHO) of the South Delhi cyber police station to register an FIR and conduct a fair investigation. It further noted that the facts presented by the complainant necessitate the intervention of state machinery through a police inquiry.

The matter has been listed for Tuesday to review the compliance report from the Delhi Police.