Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court has directed Nainital police to investigate online abuse targeting judges and lawyers involved in the hearing of a sensitive rape case. The court has asked the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nainital to submit a detailed report by Monday.
The case involves the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nainital by 73-year-old contractor Mohammad Usman on April 12. The incident led to widespread violence and arson in the hill town.
Online abuse has intensified
Although the crime allegedly occurred on April 12, it came to light only on April 30, when the victim informed her parents. Usman was arrested soon after the revelation. The incident sparked outrage, and now, discussions around judicial integrity and online abuse have intensified.
Court’s strong stand against hate speech
During the Thursday hearing, a division bench consisting of Chief Justice G Narendra and Justice Alok Mehra expressed deep concern over online harassment targeting judicial officers and lawyers handling the case. The bench questioned the misuse of the high court’s name in hate speeches, asking why the administration had failed to take action against such content. The judges also criticized the high court bar, hinting that they may take judicial notice of the abusive online posts.
Another case involving transfer dispute linked to the accused’s son
In the same session, the bench also heard a petition challenging the transfer of Rizwan Khan, an assistant engineer in the public works department. Rizwan, the son of the rape accused Mohammad Usman, was recently transferred from Khatima to Ghansali. His lawyer, Kartikey Hari Gupta, argued that the transfer was carried out without prior notice, violating Uttarakhand Transfer Act 2017. The timing of the transfer has raised questions, and his counsel is seeking justice under state laws.
Judicial action and police investigation
The High Court’s directive to Nainital police reflects growing concern over the influence of digital hate campaigns on judicial proceedings. The investigation into online abuse will determine whether stricter legal action should be taken against individuals spreading false or hateful content regarding the court’s handling of the rape case.
The upcoming report from SSP Nainital will provide further insights into the extent of online abuse, and whether the court will take stronger action against those misusing its name for hate propaganda.
