Punjab Police File Multiple FIRs Against Social Media Posts Targeting CJI Gavai Over Caste-Based Vilification

Chandigarh authorities have launched a significant enforcement action as Punjab Police register several First Information Reports (FIRs) across multiple districts in response to complaints about inappropriate social media content targeting Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai.

Law enforcement has identified over one hundred social media accounts involved in distributing or amplifying content deemed hateful and inflammatory in nature.

According to an official Punjab Police representative, the controversial materials contained attacks on a high constitutional position, included caste-based vilification, and constituted incitement that amounts to public mischief with deliberate attempts to disrupt peace and social order by manipulating caste and communal sensitivities.

The offending posts reportedly contained casteist expressions and hate speech intended to foster disharmony, interrupt public order, and diminish respect for judicial institutions.

The spokesperson elaborated that the nature of these social media publications demonstrated clear intent to instigate violence and undermine the constitutional authority of the Chief Justice of India.

The materials also included deliberate intimidation and insults directed at a member of a Scheduled Caste, attempts to foster enmity, hatred and ill-will against Scheduled Caste members, and promotion of caste-based hostility between different social groups.

These actions were determined to constitute intentional insults designed to provoke breaches of peace and statements contributing to public mischief. Police have registered FIRs under sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, alongside Sections 196, 352, 353(1), 353(2), and 61 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following receipt of information revealing cognizable offenses.

The Punjab Police representative stated that the department continues vigilant monitoring of online platforms to identify individuals and organizations responsible for disseminating hate content and targeting constitutional authorities. The spokesperson emphasized that freedom of expression cannot serve as justification for spreading hatred, inciting violence, or undermining institutional respect.

Investigations into the filed FIRs continue in accordance with established legal procedures.