The Delhi High Court on Wednesday described certain social media posts by journalist Rana Ayyub as “highly derogatory, inflammatory and communal” and directed the Centre, Delhi Police, and X to act within 24 hours to remove the content. The court also issued notices to Ayyub and X, making Delhi Police a party to the case.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, hearing a petition by lawyer Amita Sachdeva, observed that Ayyub’s tweets allegedly insulted Hindu deities and “revered historical figures.” The petitioner claimed that the content caused direct and continuing injury to her religious sentiments, violating her rights under Articles 21 (Right to life and liberty) and 25 (Freedom of religion) of the Constitution.

The court noted that an FIR had already been directed against Ayyub in January 2025 for allegedly making derogatory posts in 2016-17, which included accusations of spreading anti-India sentiment and inciting religious disharmony. The FIR cited potential violations of Sections 153A (promoting enmity), 295A (outraging religious feelings), and 505 (statements conducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.

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The petitioner said she had approached X’s resident grievance officer and the Grievance Appellate Committee to remove the tweets, but the requests were declined on the grounds that the matter was sub-judice. She contended that the continued availability of the posts online further harmed her religious sentiments.

The court instructed the Centre, Delhi Police, and X to “do the needful” within 24 hours and directed the matter to be listed for further hearing the day after. Justice Kaurav emphasised that immediate action was necessary given the communal and inflammatory nature of the posts.

This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of social media content in India, highlighting the balance courts are tasked with maintaining between freedom of speech and protection of religious sentiments.

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