A Varanasi court took cognisance of a complaint seeking criminal action against Prof Madhu Kishwar over alleged defamatory social media posts targeting political leaders. The plea urges directions to police for registration of an FIR in the matter.
A complaint has been submitted in a court in Varanasi seeking criminal action against academician and author Prof. Madhu Kishwar for social media posts allegedly directed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other political leaders.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Varanasi has taken note of the complaint. The plea sought directions to the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Kishwar over the allegedly defamatory content.
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After taking cognisance, the court registered the matter as a Miscellaneous case and asked the police to submit a report on the allegations.
The complaint was filed by advocate Shashank Shekhar Tripathi, who is the convener of the legal cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations in the complaint:
According to the complaint, Kishwar allegedly misused her verified social media account on X (formerly Twitter) and other digital platforms to repeatedly share content described as misleading, false, provocative, and defamatory.
The complaint states that certain posts allegedly made by Kishwar against the Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries were highly misleading and could have a broad social impact.
It further argues that because Kishwar’s account is verified, her statements are likely to be viewed by the public as more credible, which in turn increases the seriousness and effect of the posts.
The complainant also claims that multiple legal notices were previously issued to Kishwar, asking her to support her claims and to either modify or remove the alleged objectionable content. However, it is alleged that she did not provide supporting material or correct the content.
The complaint describes the alleged conduct as a recurring pattern intended to create confusion, dissatisfaction, and discord in society. It also contends that such posts may weaken public trust in institutions, harm communal harmony, and pose a risk to law and order.
On these grounds, the complainant sought immediate legal intervention and registration of an FIR.
The court has scheduled the matter to be heard on April 15, when the police are expected to file their report.
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