Folk singer Neha Singh Rathore has recently approached the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, seeking to quash the First Information Report registered against her in connection with a social media post related to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The FIR accuses Rathore of promoting communal disharmony and threatening the nation’s unity. It was filed at Hazratganj Police Station in the last week of April by a complainant identified as Abhay Pratap Singh.
Court Grants Time To State For Submitting Evidence
The petition came up for hearing before a division bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice B.R. Singh.
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General V.K. Shahi and state counsel V.K. Singh opposed Rathore’s plea, stating that there was sufficient material to justify the FIR. They requested additional time to present evidence before the court.
Accepting the state’s request, the bench adjourned the matter to May 12, allowing the government time to file its response.
Rathore Denies Charges, Calls Them Unjust
In her petition, Neha Singh Rathore has claimed that she has been falsely implicated. The charges against her include serious offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such as:
- Promoting enmity between religious groups
- Disturbing public peace
- Threatening the unity and integrity of the nation
She is also facing charges under the provisions of the Information Technology Act.
Rathore has argued that her post was misinterpreted and that her intention was not to incite communal tensions or disturb social harmony.
Complaint Alleges Repeated Attempts To Provoke
The FIR, lodged by complainant Abhay Pratap Singh, alleges that Rathore has “repeatedly attempted to incite one community against another on religious grounds.” The complaint claims that her social media activity is not only provocative but also poses a potential threat to national unity.
Political Undertones
The case has sparked debate on freedom of expression versus public responsibility, especially as Rathore is known for her sharp political commentary through folk songs. Her supporters have alleged that the FIR is an attempt to silence dissenting voices, while her critics argue that such posts, especially during sensitive times, can provoke unrest.
As the court prepares to hear the matter in more detail on May 12, the case remains closely watched, balancing constitutional rights with concerns of national security and public order.
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