Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Bhojpuri singer and YouTuber Neha Singh Rathore over alleged indecent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The case was registered earlier this year at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow, relating to comments made by Rathore in April. She has faced multiple FIRs across Uttar Pradesh for similar allegations.

The matter is linked to Rathore’s remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack in April. In an X post dated 23 April, she alleged that the Modi-led government was conducting politics based on caste and religion.

Rathore defended her statements in an interview with ANI, insisting her words had been misinterpreted. She said the intention was to question the Prime Minister about security arrangements following the attack, adding that her remarks were not a song but a direct appeal regarding tourist safety. “That was not a song; it was a statement regarding the Pahalgam incident in which many people lost their lives. I asked the PM about the security arrangements for the tourists at that place. And just because of this, complaints and 1 FIR have been lodged against me at many places…,” she said.

The Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali national. The complaint, filed by poet Abhay Pratap Singh, also known as Abhay Singh, alleged that Rathore’s posts could incite caste-based hatred and anti-national sentiments.

The Allahabad High Court’s decision underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by public figures over social media remarks in Uttar Pradesh. Rathore, known for her Bhojpuri songs and online presence, has faced multiple FIRs in the state for comments considered objectionable by authorities. Her recent post regarding the Pahalgam terror attack raised questions about government accountability and security arrangements for tourists.

While Rathore maintains her statements were intended as a direct appeal to the Prime Minister rather than political commentary or artistic expression, the filing of FIRs reflects heightened sensitivities around public discourse on national tragedies. The court’s rejection of her anticipatory bail plea means Rathore may now have to face investigation and potential legal proceedings regarding the allegations.

This case highlights the fine line between freedom of expression and legal boundaries in India, particularly when addressing political leaders and national security issues.
(With PTI inputs)