The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday opposed the FIR registered against Ruchika Singh for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a students’ protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Addressing the issue, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the registration of a criminal case against the woman amounted to a misuse of the criminal justice system.
He argued that if the complainant believed her reputation or that of the Prime Minister had been harmed, the matter should have been pursued through a defamation case rather than criminal prosecution.
Das also questioned the legal basis of the FIR, saying, “People use abusive language every day in this country. How has that become a criminal offence?” He maintained that criminal law should not be invoked over such remarks.
Case stems from July 23 Jantar Mantar protest
The FIR relates to a protest held at Jantar Mantar on July 23. During the demonstration by students, a video surfaced on social media in which Ruchika Singh was allegedly seen using abusive language against Prime Minister Modi.
The video later went viral, following which Smriti Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad, filed a complaint at the Noida Expressway Police Station.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Ruchika Singh under charges of intentional insult, public nuisance and defamation.
Zero FIR transferred to Delhi Police
According to the police, a Zero FIR was registered at the Noida Expressway Police Station and later transferred to the Sansad Marg Police Station in New Delhi, which has jurisdiction over the area where the alleged incident took place.
Police said the matter is now being investigated by the Delhi Police.
Complainant says viral videos damage country’s image
In her complaint, Smriti Singh alleged that several videos of the woman had gone viral on social media in which she was allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Modi and his mother.
She claimed that such remarks tarnish the country’s image and sought legal action against the accused.
What is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR is a First Information Report that can be registered at any police station, irrespective of whether the alleged offence occurred within its territorial jurisdiction.
After registration, the FIR is transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction over the place where the incident took place. The receiving police station then conducts the investigation and takes further legal action.
