Multiple FIRs registered in Punjab on objectionable social media content targeting CJI

The Punjab Police have registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following the receipt of numerous complaints in various districts of the State on unlawful and objectionable social media content targeting the Chief Justice of India.

Social media content relating to attacks on a Constitutional authority, caste-based vilification and incitement, public mischief with an attempt to disturb the peace and public order by unjustly exploiting caste and communal sentiments were flagged, following which First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in accordance with the law, a police department spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Also Read | PM Modi calls CJI after attack in Supreme Court, says incident has ‘angered all Indians’

FIRs under Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s) and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Sections 196, 352, 353(1), 353(2) and 61 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita have been registered in various police stations upon the receipt of information disclosing the commission of cognisable offences.

The social media content included unlawful and objectionable content targeting the Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai. “Investigations into these FIRs are being conducted in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson said.

Also Read | Supreme Court lawyer seeks A-G’s nod to initiate criminal contempt proceedings over attempted attack on CJI

“The content of the social media posts included posts intended to provoke violence and erode respect for the Constitutional position; intentional intimidation and insult to a member of a Scheduled Caste; attempts to promote enmity, hatred, and ill-will against a member of a Scheduled Caste; promotion of enmity between groups on grounds of caste, and insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and public mischief,” the spokesperson said.