Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, has become an important figure in India’s battle against fake news and hate speech. His fact-checking work has often brought him into conflict with those spreading misinformation, but it has come at a cost. Currently, Zubair faces multiple legal challenges, including serious new charges under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses actions that threaten India’s sovereignty and unity.
Zubair’s legal troubles began with a tweet criticizing Yati Narsinghanand, a controversial priest known for making inflammatory statements, for his derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The tweet led to an FIR being filed in Ghaziabad after supporters of Narsinghanand lodged a complaint. The High Court has now allowed the addition of two new charges, including Section 152 BNS, which further complicates Zubair’s legal situation. Despite the multiple FIRs filed against Narsinghanand for his hate speech, Zubair remains the target of intense legal action.
Zubair has expressed disbelief at the new charge under Section 152 BNS, stating, “It’s like they are building a narrative against me that I’m not just anti-Hindu, but anti-India, endangering the unity and integrity of the country.” He sees this as ironic, given that figures like Narsinghanand, who have been accused of divisive rhetoric, are not facing similar legal consequences.
“The person being accused of dividing the nation, Yati Narsinghanand, is still free, but they’ve come after me for exposing him,” said Zubair.
“It’s ironic, actually. They are charging me under Section 152 BNS for calling out someone like Narsinghanand, who spreads anti-India content. He is trying to divide the nation, yet he isn’t arrested. Instead, I’m being attacked for simply asking for legal action against him. It’s laughable, really.”
Zubair said that the legal battles have been taxing, but he remains resolute. “Yes, this is definitely an attempt to silence me,” he said, adding that the mounting cases are part of a broader effort to shut down independent voices.
“They want me distracted with these legal hurdles so I can’t focus on my work, which is calling out misinformation. They can’t directly target my organization, so I become an easy target. I feel they want to wear me down, force me to stop my work, and it’s all about shutting down independent voices,” he said.
Zubair claims that BJP politicians and their supporters celebrate his legal troubles and that there are attempts to tarnish his reputation, such as accusations of foreign funding, even though his organization does not accept foreign donations.
“During my arrest, the police asked questions that were clearly influenced by online narratives, like accusing me of receiving foreign funding, even though our NGO doesn’t take foreign donations. They’re using these questions to justify the charges. There’s clear political pressure to silence me, especially because we expose so much misinformation related to the BJP and its supporters.”
He said that this pressure has made his work even more challenging, but he draws strength from the support he receives from people across India. “The support has been crucial,” he said, noting that the public’s solidarity, especially on social media, keeps him going.
“Whenever a new FIR is filed, there’s a wave of support on social media, with hashtags like #IStandWithMohammadZubair trending. Activists, journalists, and ordinary people all rally behind me, and that keeps me going. It’s heartening to know that people appreciate the work we do. Without this public support, it would be much harder to keep up the fight.”
For Zubair, the broader context of his legal challenges is part of an attack on independent journalism in India. He sees his cases as politically motivated and part of an effort to intimidate other journalists who might speak out against misinformation and hate speech.
“They’re trying to send a message to the rest of the media: ‘If you speak up, you’ll face the same treatment.’”
Despite the constant legal and political hurdles, Zubair is motivated by the belief in the importance of fact-checking. He feels that his work is essential in holding those who spread lies accountable, especially in the current climate of divisive politics.
“What keeps me going is the support I receive, both online and offline, and my belief in the work I do. Fact-checking has become more important than ever in today’s world. There’s so much misinformation, especially when it comes to hate speech and divisive politics. I can’t stop now, because if I do, who will hold those accountable for spreading lies?”
