A Delhi Court today directed registration of an FIR against Karishma Aziz, a user of X Corp (formerly Twitter), over a series of alleged derogatory posts concerning Hinduism, Hindu religious figures, historical personalities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Mridul Gupta of the Patiala House Courts allowed an application filed by lawyer Amita Sachdeva under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, seeking registration of an FIR and investigation.

Sachdeva alleged that Aziz had published a series of posts and videos between February and April 2025 which insulted Hindu religious beliefs and figures, Prime Minister Modi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, besides allegedly attempting to promote communal disharmony.

She also alleged that some posts sought to glorify Mughal ruler Aurangzeb while demeaning Hindu historical figures.

The Cyber Police Station, South, Saket, in its status report, submitted that the posts contained obscenity, material directly targeting Hinduism and political or historical commentary, criticism and satire. The police stated that its inquiry had not found evidence of a deliberate attempt to incite communal disharmony.

The court, however, observed that powers under Section 175(3) of BNSS are required to be exercised judiciously, but registration of an FIR can be directed where the complaint prima facie discloses a cognizable offence and investigation is necessary for collecting evidence beyond the complainant's reach.

The Court said it was not required, at this stage, to meticulously evaluate the truthfulness of the allegations or record a conclusive finding regarding the criminal liability of the accused.

It noted that the complaint was not confined to an isolated statement but referred to a series of posts published over a period of time, allegedly containing derogatory remarks against Hindu religious beliefs, revered religious figures and historical personalities associated with the Hindu community, as well as expressions allegedly tending to create communal disharmony.

“Whether the impugned posts ultimately constitute protected political commentary, satire, criticism or historical opinion, or whether they cross the threshold of criminality under the provisions invoked by the complainant, is a matter requiring investigation,” the Court said.

It also noted that the authorship and operation of the concerned social media account, the dynamics of the uploaded videos and posts, their dissemination and other electronic records were matters requiring collection and preservation through investigation.

“Such evidence is not wholly within the reach of the complainant,” the Court observed.

It held that, having regard to the allegations, material placed on record and nature of evidence required to be collected, the complaint disclosed commission of cognizable offences requiring investigation.

It also clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations at this stage.

Accordingly, the court allowed the application and directed the SHO, Cyber Police Station, to register an FIR on the basis of the complaint and conduct investigation in accordance with law.

The SHO has been directed to file a compliance report before the Court within one week.