NEW DELHI — Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke has raised sharp questions over police action taken against a woman supporter for alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a stark double standard in how law enforcement agencies respond to cases of online and verbal abuse in India.
In a video statement shared on social media platform X, Dipke questioned whether the country is operating under two separate legal standards—one for ordinary citizens and youth, and another for leaders and supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
'Are There Two Laws in India?'
Reiterating his opposition to selective legal action, Dipke asked why police authorities have failed to act against members of the BJP IT cell and political leaders who have repeatedly faced accusations of using foul language against women and political opponents.
"If cases are being registered for using objectionable language, when will FIRs be filed against those BJP IT cell operatives who have been abusing women online for years?" Dipke questioned. He noted that many users engaged in cyberbullying proudly highlight "Followed by PM Modi" in their profile descriptions while targeting individuals with abusive remarks.
Dipke further cited past instances involving high-profile political figures, pointing to former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s derogatory remarks inside Parliament against a fellow lawmaker, as well as an instance involving Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath using harsh language toward a camera person. He questioned why no formal legal proceedings were initiated in those matters.
While acknowledging that using abusive language is uncalled for, Dipke argued that bad behavior should be corrected through guidance rather than criminal prosecution, emphasizing that vulgarity itself should not be treated as a criminal offense.
Background of the Case
Dipke’s statements follow a Zero FIR lodged at the Expressway Police Station in Noida against Ruchika Singh, a resident of Noida, for allegedly using abusive and objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest held at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The complaint was filed by Smriti Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad. Based on the complaint, police registered the case under Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Noida Police confirmed that because the alleged incident occurred in the national capital, the Zero FIR is being transferred to the Delhi Police for further investigation. CJP has termed the police complaint "baseless and unacceptable," demanding an immediate review of the case.
