Uttarakhand HC Refuses to Quash FIR Against Mohammad Deepak; Social Media Gag Ordered
Uttarakhand HC Refuses to Quash FIR Against Mohammad Deepak; Social Media Gag Ordered
Uttarakhand High Court directs gym owner to stop social media 'sermons' as FIR remains, urging cooperation with investigation in Kotdwar case.
The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday refused to quash the FIR against gym owner Deepak Kumar, who had identified himself as Mohammad Deepak in a show of solidarity with a Muslim shopkeeper during a January incident in Kotdwar. The court directed him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and to refrain from posting on social media that could interfere with the case. It underscored the need for fair and transparent inquiry while cautioning against sensational online commentary.
The bench, led by Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, also questioned how Deepak could seek police protection while he is an accused in one of the cases linked to the incident. It criticized the manner in which Kumar’s social media activity was being used, including the perception that he was delivering online sermons rather than contributing to verifiable facts. Kumar’s lawyer contended that the video that raised public attention did not originate from his phone, noting that both sides in the dispute were now active, and that the event occurred outside his gym.
Police authorities stated that two FIRs have already been registered based on Kumar’s complaint, and another case has been filed against him for rioting, causing hurt, and insulting with intent. The court’s remarks reflect a broader concern about how online activity by persons involved in contentious cases can impact investigations and public perception. The gag order prevents Deepak from making further social media statements about the ongoing investigation, signaling a cautious approach to balancing freedom of expression with due process.
Overall, the decision highlights the tension between online expression and the integrity of legal processes in Kotdwar, where communal tensions and public attention intersect with formal police action and judicial oversight.
