A court at Saket Courts has directed the police to register an FIR against Abhijit Iyer Mitra over allegedly objectionable social media posts targeting women journalists associated with Newslaundry.
Background of the Case
The complaint was filed by journalist Manisha Pande along with five others, all media professionals. They alleged that the accused had posted a series of tweets on platform “X” using his handle, containing remarks that referred to them in derogatory and sexually explicit terms.
According to the application, screenshots of tweets dated February and April 2025 were placed on record. One of the posts allegedly contained offensive language directed at the complainants, while another included a remark specifically naming Manisha Pande.
Judicial Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh examined the material and noted that the content of the tweets appeared to be “sexually coloured remarks.”
“The content posted by the accused qualifies as sexually coloured remarks and is prima facie intended to insult the modesty of the complainant,” the court observed.
The court further found that the material disclosed the commission of cognizable offences under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The court emphasized that a detailed police investigation was necessary, particularly because the alleged acts took place in cyberspace. It noted that authorities would need to verify the social media account and identify the electronic device used to publish the posts.
It also found the Action Taken Report filed earlier by the police to be unsatisfactory, as it had not adequately considered the tweets in question.
The court directed the Station House Officer of Malviya Nagar police station to register an FIR under Sections 75(3) and 79 of the BNS against the accused. Compliance has been sought by May 4, 2026.
The application under Section 175(3) of the BNSS was disposed of accordingly.
Case Details
Case Title: Manisha Pande & Ors. v. Abhijit Iyer Mitra
Case Number: CT Cases 2501/2025
Judge: Bhanu Pratap Singh
Decision Date: 22 April 2026
