Karnataka Police Told to Avoid Hasty FIRs Over Social Media Posts
New DGP guidelines stress preliminary inquiry, free speech protection, and restraint in arrests.
Bengaluru: In a move aimed at preventing the misuse of criminal law over online content, Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) M A Saleem has issued fresh guidelines to the state police on registering FIRs related to social media posts.
The guidelines, circulated on February 7, instruct all police stations in Karnataka to strictly follow due process before filing cases linked to online posts. The directive comes amid growing concerns that FIRs are being registered hastily, without proper verification or inquiry.
According to the circular, police must conduct a preliminary inquiry whenever a complaint or information is received about a social media post. An FIR should be registered only after confirming that the content prima facie constitutes a cognisable offence.
In cases involving defamation or similar offences, the complaint must come from the legally recognised “aggrieved person.” Complaints filed by unrelated third parties should generally not be entertained, except in cases involving serious crimes.
For allegations related to hate speech, public disorder, or sedition, the police have been clearly instructed to register cases only when there is concrete evidence of incitement to violence. Officers have been asked to keep in mind key Supreme Court rulings, including the Kedar Nath Singh and Shreya Singhal judgments, while handling such matters.
The circular also cautions against taking automatic legal action over harsh, critical, or objectionable political posts. Police officials have been reminded to respect the freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and to act only when a post poses an immediate threat to public peace and order.
Additionally, aligning with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Arnesh Kumar case, the DGP has reiterated that arrests should not be made mechanically or unnecessarily, and that personal liberty must be protected.
The guidelines are expected to bring greater accountability and consistency in how social media-related complaints are handled across the state.
