FIR against Social Media User for alleged defamatory post against Arki MLA
Shimla, Sept 19,
Shimla Police have registered a case against a social media user for allegedly posting defamatory content against Sanjay Awasthi, MLA from Arki constituency, on Facebook. The case has been filed at Police Station Sadar, Shimla, on the legislator’s complaint.
According to the police, the case has been registered under FIR (No. 79/2025) dated September 17, 2025, under sections 336(4), 356(2), 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 66(C) and 66(E) of the Information Technology Act.
As per the complaint, one Ranbir Singh Negi allegedly uploaded a post on Facebook attaching the MLA’s photograph along with a written note. The complainant has alleged that the content of the post was misleading, defamatory, and violative of his privacy. It is further alleged that the post was deliberately crafted to mislead the public and cause humiliation to the legislator by spreading false information.
Police officials said that the matter is being investigated and necessary action will be taken as per law. “The accused has not only infringed upon the privacy of the complainant but also attempted to malign his reputation in the public domain,” the complaint states.
Cyber cell assistance may also be sought in the probe to examine the electronic evidence related to the post. Sources in the police added that such cases highlight the misuse of social media platforms for spreading misleading or defamatory content, which can have far-reaching consequences on individuals’ reputation and public perception.
The FIR has brought attention once again to the rising number of cyber complaints involving public figures.
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