Plea in SC seeks to quash 17 FIRs over posters critical to PM

New Delhi: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court that sought to quash the First Information Reports (FIR) against those accused of putting up posters criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the handling of the Covid pandemic and the national vaccination policy.

The plea, filed by Adv Pradeep Kumar highlighted the right to freedom of speech and expression and prayed the apex court to direct Delhi Police not to register FIRs or act against those who put up the posters.

The plea highlighted the recent order passed by the Supreme Court, in which the apex court specifically directed the Central and State governments not to register any criminal case over the public seeking medical help on social media.

However, contrary to the Supreme Court order, the "authorities are registering FIR against the innocent persons over their speech against the Hon’ble PM with regard to his official functions over the second wave of COVID-19 crises and Government vaccine policies," it said.

It also sought the directions of the court to restrict the police from registering any further FIRs in this regard.

As many as 24 people have been arrested for sticking the posters across the city which was written, "Modi ji, aapne humare bacchon ki vaccine videsh kyu bhej diya?" (Modi ji, why did you send vaccines meant for our children abroad?).

As many as 17 FIRs have been registered under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant sections including section 3 of the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act across various districts of the Delhi Police.(UNI)