FIR Registered Against Woman Over Posters Supporting Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam at Bengaluru Protest
Police say the posters carried during a peaceful protest at Freedom Park contained objectionable content targeting the police and could disturb public order.
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified woman for displaying posters in support of jailed activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during a peaceful youth protest at Freedom Park.
According to the police, the woman was carrying placards expressing support for the two activists along with messages that allegedly contained objectionable remarks against the Bengaluru Police. Officials claimed that the posters had the potential to create public unrest and affect law and order.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Sub Inspector Sulochana. Police said the woman was also carrying another poster expressing support for the rights of the transgender community. Following the complaint, an investigation has been launched under the relevant legal provisions.
A senior official from the Karnataka Home Department said that while citizens have the right to hold peaceful demonstrations, authorities cannot permit displays that are considered offensive towards the police or are believed to threaten public order.
The incident occurred during protests held in Bengaluru and several other parts of the country over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Demonstrators gathered to demand greater transparency and accountability in the examination process.
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have remained in jail without bail for several years in connection with cases related to the 2020 Delhi violence under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and other laws. Their continued detention has drawn criticism from several human rights organisations and civil liberties groups, which have argued that the cases reflect political targeting.
Civil liberties advocates have also raised concerns over the FIR, stating that expressing solidarity with jailed activists or criticising government policies through peaceful protests falls within the scope of democratic rights. They argue that filing criminal cases solely over the display of posters could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and have called on the authorities to ensure that legal action remains consistent with constitutional protections.