Archive · 4 Jan 2026
AAP Faces Backlash Over FIRs
Ten leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Chandigarh are facing charges for a protest that turned violent three years ago.
They gathered outside the Punjab BJP office to protest against the government, but the police had already put restrictions in place.
The protesters tried to break through the police barricades, leading to a fight.
Some people were hurt, and the police had to use water cannons to control the crowd.
The court has now decided to start the trial, and it will begin on January 17.
Additionally, the AAP government has faced backlash for registering an FIR against several YouTubers and an RTI activist for allegedly spreading objectionable content related to the use of a helicopter associated with the Punjab chief minister.
Opposition parties and journalists have condemned this action, viewing it as an attempt to suppress free speech and intimidate critics.
Charges framed against 10 AAP leaders for a 2023 protest in Chandigarh.
Protesters allegedly clashed with police, violating Section 144 CrPC.
Incident involved assault on police and pelting of stones, leading to injuries.
Trial to commence on January 17 under multiple IPC sections.
Four accused declared proclaimed offenders for not appearing in court.
FIR registered against 10 YouTubers and RTI activist Manik Goyal for spreading objectionable content.
Opposition parties and journalists condemn the FIRs, viewing them as an attack on free speech.
- Who
- 10 AAP leaders, including MLA Narinder Pal Singh, and 4 proclaimed offenders; 10 YouTubers and RTI activist Manik Goyal
- What
- Charges framed for scuffles with police and violating DM’s orders; FIR against YouTubers for spreading objectionable content
- When
- Incident on February 12, 2023; trial starts January 17
- Where
- Chandigarh, outside Punjab BJP office in Sector 37
- Why
- Protest against government favoritism towards industrialist Gautam Adani’s companies; FIR against YouTubers for alleged misinformation about Punjab CM's helicopter
AAP Government
Opposition Parties and Journalists
Use of Legal Action
AAP Government
AAP government defends FIRs as necessary to prevent misinformation and maintain public order.
Opposition Parties and Journalists
Opposition parties and journalists view the FIRs as an attempt to suppress free speech and intimidate critics.
Freedom of Press
AAP Government
AAP government argues that the FIRs are not targeted at the press but at those spreading false information.
Opposition Parties and Journalists
Journalists and opposition parties claim the FIRs are a direct attack on the freedom of the press and the right to report on issues of public interest.
- Date of Incident
- February 12, 2023
- Location
- Chandigarh, Punjab BJP office in Sector 37
- Charges Filed Under
- IPC sections 147, 149, 323, 332, 353, 188
- Number of Accused
- 10
- Proclaimed Offenders
- 4 (Saranpal Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Ghulam Mohammad, Subhash Sehgal)
- Trial Start Date
- January 17
- FIR Against YouTubers
- 10 people including RTI activist Manik Goyal
- Sections Under BNS
- 353(1) and 353(2)
