A 25-year-old woman from Noida has been booked for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Police have registered a Zero FIR, which will be transferred to the Delhi Police for further investigation as the alleged incident took place in the national capital.
The case was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida following a complaint by a Ghaziabad resident, who alleged that the woman's remarks insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister's office and had the potential to disturb public peace.
According to police, the FIR has been filed under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Since the alleged offence occurred in Delhi, the matter will now be investigated by the Delhi Police.
Police Confirm Zero FIR
Confirming the registration of the case, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Manisha Singh said: "A resident of Ghaziabad lodged an FIR against a resident of Sector 168, Noida, alleging that she used abusive language against the Prime Minister of India at Jantar Mantar. It is a Zero FIR and will be transferred to New Delhi for further investigation."
A Zero FIR allows any police station to register a complaint irrespective of where the alleged offence took place, ensuring that legal action is not delayed because of jurisdictional issues.
CJP Criticises Criminal Proceedings
The incident has also triggered a debate over freedom of expression. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised the protest, said while the language allegedly used by the woman may have been inappropriate, invoking criminal law was not justified.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said: "The language may be wrong or objectionable, but it is no reason to invoke the criminal machinery against such people. It leads to a chilling effect."
He also appealed to young protesters to exercise restraint in their choice of words while criticising authorities.
Protest Followed Examination Paper Leak Agitation
The alleged remarks were made during the student-led demonstrations over examination paper leaks at Jantar Mantar. The protests, which drew large crowds and national attention, concluded after the government accepted several key demands related to educational reforms.
The case has since reignited discussions on the balance between free speech, political dissent, and the limits of criminal liability for offensive public remarks, with legal experts pointing to existing Supreme Court rulings distinguishing abusive language from punishable offences in certain circumstances.
