Ladakh Police File Zero FIR Over Remarks Against Union Minister Amit Shah
The Ladakh Police on Saturday registered a zero FIR against a social media influencer for circulating a Facebook video containing allegedly objectionable remarks about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, officials said.
The case was filed against Yogesh Parmar under sections 197(1)(d) (acts against national integration), 352 (insult to provoke breach of peace), and 353(1) (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a written complaint received at the Leh police station.
The offences carry punishments ranging from two to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The complainant alleged that the video, shared via a Facebook link, contains “objectionable, hateful and offensive” remarks that could promote hostility and disturb public harmony.
As the alleged incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Devaraja police station in Mysuru City, Karnataka, the Leh police transferred the zero FIR to the concerned station for further investigation.
A zero FIR is a first information report that can be lodged at any police station, irrespective of where the offence occurred. The station is then required to transfer the FIR to the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction. This mechanism is designed to ensure that victims do not face delays or hurdles in registering a complaint.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of social media content that is perceived as inflammatory or divisive. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need to maintain public order and national integration, while civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the potential misuse of such provisions to stifle dissent.
Neither the influencer nor his legal representatives have publicly responded to the allegations so far. As per standard procedure, the investigation will now be carried out by the Mysuru city police, who will determine whether the charges are sustainable.
The case is a reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding online speech in India, where freedom of expression is constitutionally protected but subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, and public order.
