State: Himachal Pradesh

Year: 2025

Date: May 9, 2025

Source:

Arrests – Others, Censorship – Social Media

Farooq Ahmad was arrested on May 9 on charges of sedition, promoting enmity between groups and making assertions against national integrity, Live Law reported.

The prosecution alleged that Ahmad shared content online that was deemed to be anti-national and against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which had hurt the sentiments of common people.

The police also alleged that one video featured a Pakistani citizen making insulting comments about Modi, while another clip from a Pakistani news channel contained derogatory remarks about the Indian Army.

Updated On: July 24, 2025

Himachal Pradesh HC Grants Bail In Case Over Alleged Anti-Army, Anti-PM Social Media Posts Content Copied from https://lawstreet.co

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted bail to Farooq Ahmad, who was arrested for allegedly sharing controversial videos on social media, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between mere criticism and content that incites violence or public disorder.

Justice Rakesh Kainthla made crucial observations on the application of sedition and hate speech laws in cases involving the sharing of social media content.

The court addressed Criminal Miscellaneous Petition No. 1473 of 2025, filed by Farooq Ahmad seeking regular bail in FIR No. 102 of 2025, registered for offences punishable under Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).