File photo NEW DELHI: The SC on Monday upheld Telangana HC’s guidelines barring police from mechanically registering cases over “harsh, offensive critical political speech” on social media without first holding an inquiry and checking the locus standi of the complainant.The SC order may end the prevalent practice harassing people by filing mulitple cases against those whose social media post is critical of govt or party in power, and safeguards fundamental rights.The guidelines say the police must verify whether the complainant qualifies as the “person aggrieved” in terms of law before registering a case and conduct a preliminary probe before lodging an FIR. Police may invoke criminal law only when the speech amounts to incitement to violence or threat to public order.Political criticism, satire not defamation, HC earlier saidThe guidelines say police must verify whether a complainant qualifies as the “person aggrieved” in terms of law before registering a case and conduct a preliminary probe before lodging an FIR. They lay down that police may invoke criminal law only when the speech amounts to incitement to violence or threat to public order.High court had passed the order while quashing criminal cases registered for criticising Telangana Congress govt and the CM.HC had said social media posts were plainly political criticism and satire, which do not amount to defamation or public mischief and are fully protected by Article 19(1)(a): “No case alleging promotion of enmity, intentional insult, public mischief, threat to public order, or sedition shall be registered unless there exists prima facie material disclosing incitement to violence, hatred, or public disorder.”After examining HC order and going through the norms, SC said, “We appreciate what HC has done”. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra tried to impress upon the court the need to examine the norms as they would have wider implications, the court said there was no infirmity in them.Guidelines say automatic or mechanical arrests are impermissible, and the principle of proportionality in the exercise of criminal process must be observed.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Announces India-US Trade Deal, Reduces Reciprocal Tariffs On Delhi To 18%; PM Modi ReactsAir India Grounds Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Fuel Control Switch Issue in London-Bengaluru Flight’Nonsense, Lies’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi For Citing Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Memoir, Oppn Hits BackChina Slams Dalai Lama’s Grammy Win, Calls It Political Manipulation Warns Against Anti-China MovesShowdown In Parliament As Rahul Gandhi Quotes Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Book on China’Arrogant, Liar’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Attacks CEC Gyanesh After SIR Meet In DelhiPak Analyst Rips Munir Over Trump Minerals Pitch And IMF Loans After US Snubs Pakistan On Pax SilicaBalochistan Crisis: Pakistan-Origin Commentator Takes Apart Islamabad, Exposes Lies On India’India Showed…’: Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Remarks On Galwan Clash Resurface After Lok Sabha Row’Faster Than BrahMos’: DRDO Calls New Hypersonic Anti Ship Missile A Game Changer For India123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Beetroot and Paneer Paniyaram for breakfast at home10 best travel ideas for Valentine’s Day 2026 weekend9 comforting amla dishes ideal for winter months10 luxury bikes that blend power, precision, and prestige‘The 50’, ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘Laughter Chef’: Celebrity reality shows that never fail to entertainHrithik Roshan shares his post-workout meal photo and it is plateful of things we all loveKriti Sanon pens a special note for ‘Special Friend’ after Nupur Sanon’s Hindu wedding- See pictures8 ways to experience a different side of DelhiJustin Bieber’s performance to Lola Young’s win: Highlights from the 68th Annual Grammy Awards nightTop 10 countries in the world by GDP (2026 Projections); check India’s position123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsFernando MendozaTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid
NEW DELHI: The SC on Monday upheld Telangana HC’s guidelines barring police from mechanically registering cases over “harsh, offensive critical political speech” on social media without first holding an inquiry and checking the locus standi of the complainant.The SC order may end the prevalent practice harassing people by filing mulitple cases against those whose social media post is critical of govt or party in power, and safeguards fundamental rights.The guidelines say the police must verify whether the complainant qualifies as the “person aggrieved” in terms of law before registering a case and conduct a preliminary probe before lodging an FIR. Police may invoke criminal law only when the speech amounts to incitement to violence or threat to public order.Political criticism, satire not defamation, HC earlier saidThe guidelines say police must verify whether a complainant qualifies as the “person aggrieved” in terms of law before registering a case and conduct a preliminary probe before lodging an FIR. They lay down that police may invoke criminal law only when the speech amounts to incitement to violence or threat to public order.High court had passed the order while quashing criminal cases registered for criticising Telangana Congress govt and the CM.HC had said social media posts were plainly political criticism and satire, which do not amount to defamation or public mischief and are fully protected by Article 19(1)(a): “No case alleging promotion of enmity, intentional insult, public mischief, threat to public order, or sedition shall be registered unless there exists prima facie material disclosing incitement to violence, hatred, or public disorder.”After examining HC order and going through the norms, SC said, “We appreciate what HC has done”. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra tried to impress upon the court the need to examine the norms as they would have wider implications, the court said there was no infirmity in them.Guidelines say automatic or mechanical arrests are impermissible, and the principle of proportionality in the exercise of criminal process must be observed.
