A complaint has been filed before a Court in Varanasi seeking initiation of criminal proceedings against academician and author Prof. Madhu Kishwar over social media posts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other political leaders.
The Varanasi Chief Judicial Magistrate Court has taken cognisance of the complaint which sought directions to the police to register a first information report (FIR) against Kishwar for the allegedly defamatory posts.
The Court has registered the case as a Miscellaneous case and also sought a report from the police on the matter.
The complaint in this case was filed by advocate Shashank Shekhar Tripathi, the convener of legal cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to the complaint, Kishwar allegedly misused her verified social media account on X (formerly Twitter) and other digital platforms to continuously disseminate misleading, false, provocative, and defamatory content.
The complaint specifically alleged that certain posts made by Kishwar against the Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries were highly misleading and could have a wide social impact.
It was further contended that since Kishwar operates a verified social media account, her statements are likely to be perceived as more credible by the public, thereby increasing their impact and seriousness.
The complaint also stated that multiple legal notices were earlier issued to Kishwar, calling upon her to substantiate her claims and to modify or remove the allegedly objectionable content. However, she allegedly did not furnish supporting material or make any corrections.
It was argued that this is a repeated pattern of behaviour on Kishwar's part aimed at creating confusion, dissatisfaction and discord in society.
The complaint also raised concerns that such content may erode public trust in institutions, affect communal harmony and pose a threat to law and order. On this basis, immediate legal intervention and registration of an FIR were sought.
The matter will be heard by the Court on April 15 by which time the police is expected to submit its report.