Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks report on FIR against student over Instagram comments

The petitioner has denied commenting and contended that the original post is no longer available. He has argued that, in its absence, the exact wording, context, authorship, device used, timing and authenticity of the alleged communication cannot be established. The petition also alleges that the investigating agency has neither forensically examined his mobile phone nor recovered the alleged original communication from it.

Gagandeep, a student of of Bachelor of Pharmacy who is also preparing for competitive examinations, has claimed that the pending FIR is affecting his education, career and prospects. He has also pointed out that nearly a year has passed since the FIR was registered without the investigation being completed or a challan being presented.

The petitioner had submitted a representation to the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, on August 7, 2026, seeking action, but alleged that no action had followed.

During the hearing, Mahajan submitted that the case arose from comments on the complainant’s Instagram page, which were subsequently deleted. He stressed that the petitioner was a young student and that the investigation had remained pending for about a year. The immediate prayer before the court was for the authorities to complete the investigation within a fixed timeframe.

Punjab Additional Advocate General Kunwarbir Singh, appearing for the state, accepted notice and said the investigation was underway. He sought time to file a status report.

The High Court thereafter adjourned the matter to September 15.