Delhi Police Request Evidence from CPI(M) MP on Cyberbullying Allegations Against Foreign Secretary

Quick Summary

• CPI(M) MP John Brittas had previously written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking action regarding the cyberbullying of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during Operation Sindoor.
• The Delhi police have responded by requesting Mr. Brittas to provide proof to substantiate his complaint.
• In response,Mr. Brittas submitted screenshots, web links, and press reports as evidence and referenced Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which states that police are duty-bound to register an FIR once informed about a cognisable offense.
• He highlighted that abusive posts were already publicly available and extensively covered in media reports, questioning why corroborating evidence was demanded from complainants rather of immediate statutory action by the police.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The situation illustrates significant questions regarding procedural accountability under India’s legal framework for addressing cyberbullying and online threats.By invoking Section 173 of BNSS 2023, MP John Brittas underscores the necessity for timely action by law enforcement without placing undue burden on informants-especially when offenses involve public-domain material reported widely. This case may set a precedent for how authorities handle complaints related to digital crimes amid increasing scrutiny over online abuse targeting officials or public figures. Policymakers may need to further clarify enforcement protocols under BNSS provisions to ensure efficient redressal mechanisms.

Read more: The Hindu