DG&IGP issues guidelines to curb mechanical FIRs, arrests over social media posts

DG&IGP issues new guidelines to prevent mechanical FIRs and arrests over social media, ensuring compliance with Supreme Court rulings.

In a move aimed at preventing mechanical registration of FIRs and arrests over social media posts, Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem has issued a fresh set of guidelines to police officers across the State.

The circular, dated February 7, follows observations by the Supreme Court in Imran Pratapgadhi vs State of Gujarat, wherein the court had flagged instances where police registered cases relating to social media posts without conducting preliminary enquiries.

“It has been observed that police officers are registering cases relating to social media posts mechanically, without undertaking preliminary enquiries as stipulated by the Supreme Court,” Mr. Saleem said, referring to an earlier circular issued on July 4, 2025.

He noted that the Supreme Court, in the same judgment, had upheld guidelines framed by the Telangana High Court on registration of FIRs in cases arising out of social media posts. “Hence, the same guidelines are adopted herewith, and police officers are instructed to adhere to them to avoid mechanical registration of FIRs and arrests,” the circular stated.

As per the directions, the police must first verify the locus standi of the complainant in cases of alleged defamation or similar offences, ensuring that the complainant is a “person aggrieved” under law. Complaints by unrelated third parties are not maintainable unless they disclose a cognisable offence.

In cases disclosing a cognisable offence, officers are required to conduct a preliminary enquiry before registering an FIR, to ascertain whether the statutory ingredients of the offence are made out prima facie.