Uttar Pradesh Police book six for misleading posts in Ayush Malik case

Uttar Pradesh Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against six individuals, including an advocate and journalists, for allegedly circulating misleading information on social media regarding the Ayush Malik case.

The individuals are accused of posting factless claims on X and Facebook stating that the Allahabad High Court had reprimanded the Shamli Police during proceedings. Authorities clarified that the court did not rebuke the police and that the accused presented a distorted version of the judicial order in a manner that could affect public peace.

The underlying case involves Ayush Malik, who the High Court determined converted to Islam of his own free will and married a Muslim woman. The court disposed of a habeas corpus petition that had alleged Malik was being illegally detained by his father. The legal action against the six individuals was filed under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which criminalizes the publication of false news or rumors intended to create enmity or ill-will.