Indian police defend case against Modi’s British critic
Authorities target UK-based doctor for social media criticism of prime minister, raising concerns over criminalization of dissent and free speech
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Indian authorities are defending criminal proceedings against a British national of Indian origin who has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a case that civil liberties advocates say reflects the growing criminalization of dissent, particularly when criticism comes from abroad.
Police in Mumbai told the Mumbai High Court that the case against the U.K.-based medical doctor is justified, claiming his online criticism of Modi and his recent visit to India form part of what they described as a broader, organized effort to spread defamatory and inflammatory material and disturb public order.
The allegations stem entirely from the individual’s social media activity. Authorities have not accused him of involvement in any act of violence. Instead, police have questioned why he continued posting political content critical of the prime minister while visiting India on a tourist visa, suggesting that this could amount to a violation of immigration conditions.
In a sworn filing, the Mumbai Police said the critic should be prevented from leaving India, arguing that investigators would have difficulty tracing him once he returns to the United Kingdom. Rights advocates say such travel restrictions are increasingly used in India as a coercive tool in speech-related cases, even before courts assess the merits of the allegations.
Police have also claimed the critic may have had local assistance to amplify his online posts, a charge frequently invoked in cases involving political dissent. One post cited by investigators allegedly portrayed a localized incident of violence in Mumbai as part of a broader political conflict, which authorities said could inflame social tensions.
Digital rights groups counter that interpreting and criticizing state actions, even controversially, falls within the scope of protected political expression.
The case originated from a complaint filed by a member of the media unit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, reinforcing concerns about the close alignment between partisan interests and law enforcement action in cases involving criticism of the government.
The accused has challenged the proceedings, arguing that the case represents a misuse of criminal law to silence dissenting political views. In his petition, he has sought dismissal of the charges, cancellation of an immigration watch notice preventing him from traveling, and protection from coercive measures, describing the investigation as politically motivated.
Police have opposed those requests, alleging that he has not fully cooperated with the investigation and has declined to provide electronic devices and account access for forensic examination.
Civil liberties groups warn that such demands risk turning investigations into fishing expeditions aimed at mapping networks of dissent rather than addressing specific criminal conduct.
The case has drawn renewed attention to a broader pattern in India in which defamation laws, public order provisions, and immigration controls are increasingly deployed against journalists, activists, and critics of the government.
Analysts say the targeting of diaspora voices marks a significant escalation, extending domestic restrictions on free expression beyond India’s borders.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
