A Delhi court has ordered the registration of an FIR against renowned journalist Rana Ayyub following a complaint by advocate Amita Sachdeva, affiliated with Hindu right-wing groups. The complaint alleges that Ayyub’s social media posts “insulted Hindu deities” and “spread anti-India sentiment.” Chief Judicial Magistrate Himanshu Raman Singh, in an order dated January 25, stated that the accusations were serious and required a formal investigation. Consequently, the court directed the South Delhi cyber police to register an FIR and conduct a detailed inquiry.

As per the complainant, FIR No. 0003/2025 was registered on January 27 under Sections 505, 295A, and 153A of the Indian Penal Code. These sections pertain to promoting enmity, public mischief, and deliberate acts to outrage religious sentiments. The case has sparked significant public debate, with critics expressing concerns about the growing trend of targeting journalists for their views. Rana Ayyub, known for her bold reporting and outspoken stance on social issues, has previously faced harassment for her work. The investigation is ongoing, with the next hearing set to review the compliance report.

This development underscores the tensions between freedom of expression and allegations of religious or national sentiment violations, highlighting the challenges faced by independent journalists in India.