NEW DELHI – A criminal case filed against Noida resident Ruchika Singh for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been transferred to Delhi Police. The move comes amid growing concerns over fresh online threats and doxxing targeting women who participated in recent protests. The First Information Report, or FIR, was initially registered in Noida on July 29, nearly a week after the alleged incident at a protest in New Delhi on July 23.
Allegations and Initial Legal Action
Ruchika Singh, identified as a 25-year-old salon employee and resident of Sector 168 in Noida, faced the complaint after a video from a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi went viral online. The video purportedly showed Singh making "abusive and objectionable" remarks against the Prime Minister. Smriti Singh, a Ghaziabad resident and Supreme Court advocate, filed the complaint, stating that the remarks "hurt the dignity of the constitutional office" and were intended to "spread hatred and disturb public peace."[timesofindia+8]
Noida Police registered a Zero FIR at the Expressway police station. A Zero FIR allows a complaint to be filed at any police station, regardless of where the alleged crime occurred, before it is transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction. The case was registered 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). These sections replaced parts of the older Indian Penal Code.[timesofindia+18]
The protest on July 23 was part of a larger, youth-led agitation organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The demonstrations, which lasted 36 days and focused on issues linked to the NEET-UG exam paper leaks, concluded on July 25 after the Union Education Minister stepped down.[m+6]
Case Moves to Delhi Amid Rising Online Harassment
The Zero FIR was transferred to the Parliament Street police station in Delhi on July 31, as the alleged offense took place within Delhi's jurisdiction. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma confirmed the transfer, noting that Delhi Police would determine the course of action once they formally received the case.[thehindu+5]
The transfer also highlights a broader issue of online harassment and doxxing targeting women who participated in the recent Jantar Mantar protests. Media clips and social media content featuring women from the 36-day protest have been widely circulated, leading to multiple instances of online harassment. Personal details, including phone numbers and addresses, have been publicly shared, and individuals have faced threats of rape and death.[thehindu+5]
One 19-year-old protester, whose video containing critical remarks against the government was made public, stated she deleted all her social media accounts out of fear. She expressed concern over the circulation of personal information and the potential for similar threats. Digital rights expert Aparajita Bharti, a founding partner at TQH Consulting, noted that India's laws do not specifically address doxxing, despite its increasing use to target individuals online. An X user, identified as a co-convener of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh social media unit, also posted a video of three women, seeking an FIR against them for similar alleged offenses.[thehindu+6]
Reactions and Broader Debate
The registration of the FIR against Ruchika Singh has sparked a debate about freedom of expression and the use of criminal law for speech. Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das criticized the legal action, stating that "profanity does not attract a criminal case" and that such actions constitute a "misuse of criminal machinery." Das added that it could lead to a "chilling effect" on public discourse. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also remarked that "law should be the same for everyone" and should not be used against youth while political leaders might use abusive language without facing similar consequences.[thehindu+4]
Legal experts often point to Supreme Court and High Court rulings over the past decade, which suggest that crude language directed at public figures does not always meet the threshold for criminal charges. For example, the Telangana High Court in September 2025 quashed FIRs related to social media posts that used harsh language against a political party and accused a chief minister of corruption. The court ruled that political criticism, even if harsh or metaphorical, does not constitute intentional insult or public mischief without an imminent threat to public order. Defamation, under Section 356(1) of the BNS, also has exceptions for good-faith comments on a public figure's conduct in their public role.[thehindu+4]
Prime Minister's Response and Accused's Apology
Amid the ongoing controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Friday night, August 1, calling for civility in public discourse. In the video, he stated, "I forgive those who abused me and even my mother. They are misguided children. It is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction." He emphasized that "abuses never solve anything" and that dialogue, understanding, and positive thinking are the way forward. His remarks were widely interpreted as a response to the controversy surrounding the protest video.[newsthetruth+2]
Separately, Ruchika Singh has reportedly issued an apology. News reports on August 1 quoted her saying, "Sorry to entire nation, I am just 15." This statement presents a discrepancy with earlier reports that identified her age as 25 years old.[newsthetruth+2]
The case now rests with Delhi Police, who will lead the investigation, question witnesses, and decide on further steps, including whether an arrest is warranted. The incident continues to fuel discussions on free speech, online safety, and the legal repercussions of social media commentary in India's political landscape.[m+4]
