Noida: A woman from Noida has been booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police for allegedly making objectionable and abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 23. The case has drawn attention amid an ongoing crackdown by law enforcement agencies on alleged defamatory and provocative statements made both during demonstrations and on social media.
According to police officials, a Zero FIR was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida following a complaint lodged by Smriti Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad. The complaint names Ruchika Singh, who was previously residing in Noida and is now reported to be living in Faridabad, as the accused.
In her complaint, Smriti Singh alleged that Ruchika Singh used abusive and objectionable language against the Prime Minister during the protest. The complainant further stated that the remarks not only insulted the dignity of the constitutional office of the Prime Minister but were also intended to spread hatred and disturb public peace.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials explained that the case was initially registered as a Zero FIR, a legal mechanism that allows a complaint to be filed at any police station irrespective of where the alleged offence took place. Such FIRs are subsequently transferred to the police station having territorial jurisdiction over the matter for further investigation.
Police confirmed that the case has now been transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, where the alleged incident occurred. Authorities stated that further investigation will be carried out by the concerned police station in accordance with legal procedures.
The development comes at a time when the Delhi Police has also initiated action against allegedly objectionable and defamatory social media posts targeting the Prime Minister in connection with the same protest. Earlier, the Special Cell’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit registered an FIR under provisions related to criminal intimidation, public mischief, and defamation. Law enforcement agencies have also approached social media platforms seeking the removal of content considered unlawful as part of the ongoing investigation.
The matter remains under investigation, and police officials have indicated that further legal action will depend on the evidence collected during the course of the probe.
