The Allahabad High Court has given an important verdict on the FIR lodged against Alt News co-founder and journalist Mohammed Zubair. Justice Siddharth Verma and Dr. Y.K. Srivastava’s bench refused to cancel the FIR lodged by the Ghaziabad police, but also said that Zubair would not be arrested during the investigation.
Disputed video and FIR roots
The case is related to a viral video clip, which Zubair shared on 3 October 2024 on his ‘X’ (East Twitter) account. The video featured Yati Narasimhanand’s alleged inflammatory comments, which was shared by Zubair as “derogatory”. This clip became the root of the dispute.
Who are the complainants?
The case was complained by Udita Tyagi, general secretary of Yati Narasimhanand Saraswati Trust. They allege that Zubair posted this clip with the intention of provoking the Muslim community, which could have spread disharmony in the society. He has accused Zubair of stressing and spreading hatred among religious groups.
Serious allegations made in FIR
Ghaziabad Police has registered a case against Zubair under several serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
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Section 196: To spread disharmony in religious groups
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Section 299: deliberately hurting religious sentiments
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Section 356 (3): Defamation
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Section 351 (2): Criminal Threats
Action is being taken under these sections, which if proven, their legal effect may be deep.
What was said by Zubair?
A writ petition was filed in the High Court on behalf of Mohammad Zubair, in which he appealed to cancel the FIR and not take any punitive action against him. He said that he made public the video already existing, in which he did not add any new information.
Why did the court not cancel the FIR?
While hearing the petition, the High Court made it clear that such a complaint must be investigated. The court admitted that prima facie it is an investigation case, and the judicial process cannot be stopped. However, it was given relief that Zubair would not be arrested during the investigation process.
Response and atmosphere
After this decision came to light, there was a flood of reactions on social media. The discussion between journalists, workers and the general public has become hot. Some people believe that this is an attack on the freedom of the press, while others are telling a step towards following the law.
Stir in political and social environment
After this decision, both the supporters and the opposing sides have become active. Issues such as freedom of press, religious tolerance and responsibility on social media have again come to the center of debate. There is also a stir in political corridors, where one side is calling Zubair a ‘Fact Czech warrior’, while the other side is calling him ‘provocative of religious frenzy’.
What do legal experts say?
Many senior lawyers say that this case can become an important scene. On the one hand, while it is being linked to the responsibility of content on social media, on the other hand it is also being seen with the sensitivity of the sections of the IPC.
Will the next step be?
Now the matter is under police investigation process. The Ghaziabad police will have to complete the investigation in a fair and time -bound manner as per the High Court order. Zubair’s arrest is currently banned, but if the allegations are confirmed in the investigation, then further action will be decided by the court.
Will this episode affect journalism?
The case has launched a fresh debate over the boundaries, responsibilities and freedom of digital journalism in the country. Should a journalist face criminal action to share a video? Is this threatening freedom of expression or is it a step by staying within the purview of law?
Last thing: This decision of the Allahabad High Court clearly shows that the judicial system gives importance to the investigation process. Even though the court has given relief from the arrest of Mohammad Zubair, the matter is still serious and its legal investigation can determine the direction of journalism, the role of social media, and public discourse on religious issues.