Delhi Court Stays FIR Order Against Abhijit Iyer Mitra Over Posts Targeting Journalist Manisha Pande
Lexpedia News · 4 May 2026 · 2 min read
A Delhi court has stayed an earlier order directing the registration of an FIR against political commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra over his social media posts targeting Manisha Pande and other women journalists associated with Newslaundry.
The interim relief was granted by an Additional Sessions Judge at the Saket Courts, putting on hold the magistrate’s April 23 order that had directed police action against Mitra.
Background of the Case
The case originates from a complaint filed by Manisha Pande and other women journalists, alleging that Mitra had posted abusive and derogatory remarks against them on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The complainants argued that the posts contained sexually coloured remarks and defamatory content that harmed their dignity and professional reputation.
Earlier, a Judicial Magistrate First Class had found a prima facie case against Mitra and directed registration of an FIR, observing that the tweets appeared to insult the modesty of women and disclosed cognizable offences.
Sessions Court Grants Interim Relief
Challenging the magistrate’s order, Mitra approached the Sessions Court. The Additional Sessions Judge stayed the operation of the FIR order, noting that proceeding with the FIR could render the revision petition infructuous.
The stay is interim in nature, and a detailed order is awaited. The matter is expected to be heard further on a later date.
Allegations and Legal Provisions
The magistrate had earlier observed that Mitra’s posts could attract offences under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, particularly those relating to:
- Sexually coloured remarks
- Outraging the modesty of women
The court had also noted that since the alleged offences occurred in cyberspace, a police investigation was necessary, including examination of digital evidence.
Parallel Defamation Proceedings
Apart from the criminal complaint, the journalists have also initiated a civil defamation suit before the Delhi High Court.
They have sought:
- A public apology
- ₹2 crore in damages and compensation
The journalists alleged that Mitra’s posts falsely labelled them with derogatory terms and were intended to damage their professional standing.
Court’s Earlier Observations
In the earlier proceedings, the High Court had taken note of the nature of the posts, following which Mitra reportedly removed the content from the platform.
However, the civil defamation case remains pending.
Next Steps
The Sessions Court’s stay order is temporary and does not decide the merits of the allegations. The case will now proceed with further hearings, where the court will determine whether the magistrate’s direction to register an FIR was legally justified.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi court has stayed FIR proceedings against Abhijit Iyer Mitra
- Case relates to alleged abusive posts against women journalists
- Magistrate had earlier found a prima facie cognizable offence
- Parallel defamation case pending in Delhi High Court
- Final outcome will depend on further hearings
