Noida teenager apologises over remarks against PM Modi as CJP questions FIR

A 15-year-old girl from Noida, booked over allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, has issued a public apology, saying she was influenced by others and seeking forgiveness from the Prime Minister and the nation.

In a video released on July 31, the teenager appeared with folded hands and said she regretted her remarks. "I am just 15. Please forgive me," she said, adding that she had no intention of hurting anyone's sentiments.

The apology came a day after police began examining a Zero FIR registered against her over remarks allegedly made during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.

The FIR was initially lodged at Noida's Expressway police station and has since been transferred to the Delhi Police, as the alleged incident took place in the national capital. The case invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to intentional insult, public mischief and defamation.

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the registration of the FIR, arguing that using abusive language, by itself, is not a criminal offence under Indian law.

He also referred to an earlier video involving Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, questioning whether similar standards had been applied in comparable situations.

Dipke's remarks have reignited debate over the scope of free speech and the legal threshold for prosecuting offensive political expression.

The controversy has also drawn attention to previous Supreme Court observations distinguishing profanity from punishable obscenity in certain contexts, though the legality of the remarks in the present case will ultimately depend on the specific allegations and the investigation.

The incident occurred in the backdrop of protests over alleged examination irregularities, during which a video of the girl's remarks went viral on social media, prompting the complaint and subsequent police action. The investigation is ongoing.