Facts
The petitioners filed a writ petition seeking police protection and the removal of inflammatory social media content following an "unfortunate incident" related to FIR No. 0122/2026 at P.S. Uttam Nagar
Source reference: p. 1-2The petitioners alleged that on April 13, 2026, unknown individuals and a woman identified as Ms. ‘S’ threatened petitioner no. 1, and that on April 9, 2026, Ms. ‘S’s’ husband committed trespass and theft at a property
Source reference: p. 2-3The State noted that a related matter had previously been dealt with by a Division Bench in W.P.(Crl.) 896/2026
Source reference: p. 2Issues
1. Whether the State should be directed to provide adequate police protection and ensure the safety of the petitioners and witnesses against threats and coercion
Source reference: p. 1-22. Whether the court should direct the removal of inflammatory and communally provocative social media content related to the incident
Source reference: p. 23. Whether specific investigative and preventive measures were required to address recent threats and trespass allegations
Source reference: p. 3Law Applied
The court's directions were rooted in the constitutional duty of the State to protect the life and liberty of citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Source reference: p. 3It applied the principle of proactive policing and communal harmony maintenance, as well as the State's obligation to curb the spread of inflammatory digital content that could incite violence or communal tension
Source reference: p. 3The court also relied on the administrative accountability of the police to provide direct access to authorities (SHO) for citizens in distress
Source reference: p. 3Reasoning
The Court evaluated the adequacy of the measures already taken by the Delhi Police. The Additional DCP informed the court that CCTV surveillance was active, police pickets were established directly in front of the petitioners’ house, and 250 inflammatory videos had already been removed
Source reference: p. 3Regarding the specific threat on April 13, 2026, the court noted that the local police were already examining video footage under the inquiry of an officer of ACP rank
Source reference: p. 3The court linked the need for immediate relief to the petitioners' satisfaction with the existing police presence and the Additional DCP’s commitment to providing the SHO’s personal contact number for emergency assistance
Source reference: p. 3-4Holding
The Court held that since the police were actively investigating the recent complaints and had established communal harmony measures, the petitioners were satisfied, and no further orders were required
The Court disposed of the petition by recording the State’s assurance to provide the best possible protection. The SHO was directed to provide his personal mobile number to the petitioners. Regarding social media content, the petitioners were directed to furnish specific links to the SHO for immediate action
Source reference: p. 3Original Court PDF
Laxmi Devi And Ors.vsUnion Of India & Ors.
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