A Delhi court has directed the registration of an FIR against commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra over alleged sexually abusive social media posts targeting women journalists of the news platform Newslaundry.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Bhanu Pratap Singh of the Saket Court passed the order on Wednesday, stating that the posts on the social media platform X appear to contain sexually coloured remarks intended to insult the modesty of women journalists, including Newslaundry’s Managing Editor Manisha Pande.
The court observed that the alleged content discloses cognizable offences under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections related to sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women.
Police Investigation Ordered in Cyber Crime Case
The court said a police investigation is necessary because the alleged offence was committed in cyberspace. It directed the police to verify the social media account used and trace the electronic device from which the posts were made.
“The content of the tweets posted by the accused discloses cognizable offences. Police investigation is necessary to verify the user account and trace the electronic device,” the court said.
The judge also noted that the earlier action taken report filed by the police was not satisfactory as it failed to properly address the tweets in question.
Complaint Filed by Women Journalists
Manisha Pande and several other women journalists had approached the court alleging that Iyer Mitra repeatedly used derogatory and sexually abusive language against them on X.
They claimed the posts included sexist slurs and false allegations that harmed their dignity and professional reputation. The journalists said the remarks amounted to sexual harassment and targeted them as working women in the media industry.
The court proceedings followed earlier directions issued in August 2025, when the police were asked to submit a status report on the complaint. After delays and a final opportunity given in November, the report was eventually filed in February 2026.
Separate Defamation Case in Delhi High Court
Apart from the criminal complaint, the journalists have also filed a defamation case in the Delhi High Court. They have sought a public apology and compensation of Rs 2 crore, alleging that the posts formed part of a sustained campaign to defame and harass them.
They argued in court that the comments were deliberate and aimed at damaging their reputation and workplace dignity.
Court Earlier Asked Posts to Be Removed
In May 2025, the Delhi High Court had earlier reprimanded Iyer Mitra, following which he took down the controversial posts. The defamation case remains pending before the High Court.
The latest order from the Saket Court now moves the matter into the criminal investigation stage, with police expected to examine the digital evidence and verify the origin of the alleged posts.
