Noida Police Register Zero FIR Against Ruchika Singh Over Alleged Remarks Against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar
Ruchika Singh FIR has been registered by Noida Police over alleged objectionable and abusive remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 23, 2026.
The case began with a complaint filed by Supreme Court advocate Smriti Singh, who told police that she had come across a video of the incident and considered the language used against the Prime Minister objectionable. The complaint led to the registration of a Zero FIR at the Expressway police station in Noida.
According to police and the complaint, the remarks were allegedly made publicly during a demonstration linked to the NEET-UG protest at Jantar Mantar. The video subsequently circulated on social media, bringing the incident to wider attention.
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Zero FIR registered in Noida
The FIR was registered on July 29 at the Expressway police station in Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate. Since the alleged incident took place at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the Noida Police registered the case as a Zero FIR before transferring it to Delhi Police for further investigation.
A Zero FIR allows police to register a case even when the alleged offence falls outside their territorial jurisdiction. The case can subsequently be transferred to the police station having jurisdiction over the place where the incident allegedly occurred.
The FIR names Ruchika Singh, identified as a resident of Lotus Zing Society in Sector 168, Noida. Police have reportedly not taken her into custody so far and are attempting to establish her whereabouts.
What sections have been invoked?
The case has been registered under Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Under the BNS, Section 352 relates to intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace. Section 353(1) deals with certain statements, false information, rumours or reports that fall within the circumstances specified by the provision, while Section 356(1) concerns defamation.
The inclusion of these provisions in the FIR does not by itself establish guilt. The allegations will have to be examined during the investigation, and any criminal liability will ultimately depend on the evidence and subsequent legal proceedings.
Police examining video and other evidence
Police are expected to examine the video footage that allegedly captures the remarks, along with other available digital material and witness accounts. The investigation may also involve establishing the circumstances in which the statements were made and verifying the identity and role of the person seen in the footage.
According to the information provided by police sources, Singh has not yet been located. Investigators are continuing efforts to trace her and gather material relevant to the case.
The complaint also alleged that the remarks affected the dignity associated with the office of the Prime Minister and could contribute to public disorder. Those assertions form part of the complaint and remain allegations at this stage.
Why the case is significant
The incident comes amid continuing legal and political debate over the limits of speech during public demonstrations. Protests provide a platform for people to express disagreement with government policies and public officials, but statements made during such events can also attract criminal scrutiny when authorities believe they fall within the scope of a penal provision.
The case also highlights the role of social media in triggering police action. A video recorded during a public demonstration can quickly reach a large audience, after which complaints may be filed based on material circulating online.
At the same time, registration of an FIR should not be confused with a finding of guilt. The police investigation will determine what exactly was said, the circumstances in which it was said, and whether the allegations are supported by admissible evidence.
The matter has now moved towards Delhi Police because the alleged incident occurred at Jantar Mantar. Further developments are likely to depend on the investigation, efforts to trace the accused and examination of the available video and witness evidence.
