Targeted Witch-Hunt, Quash FIR Against Nadeem Khan Immediately: PUCL

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged harassment and “malicious” FIR filed against human rights activist Nadeem Khan, National General Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The organisation accused the Delhi Police of conducting a targeted witch-hunt, driven by social media pressure, to intimidate a prominent advocate for civil liberties.

On 30th November, four officers from the Shaheen Bagh Police Station arrived unannounced at a private residence in Bangalore, where Khan was staying. They allegedly coerced him to travel to Delhi “voluntarily” under informal custody, despite lacking an arrest warrant. This harassment reportedly continued for nearly six hours before a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS Act was issued, demanding his appearance in Delhi.

The FIR, filed earlier the same day, charges Khan under Sections 196, 353(2), and 61, all of which carry punishments under three years of imprisonment. PUCL highlighted that the Supreme Court’s ruling in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar prohibits arrest in such cases without proper procedure. Despite this, the police allegedly intimidated Khan and trespassed on private property, violating due process.

The PUCL further noted that on 29th November, 20-25 police officers conducted a night raid on APCR’s Delhi office without notice, justification, or an FIR copy. The officers inquired about Khan and other members, underscoring what PUCL termed a “malicious intent” to disrupt APCR’s work on mob lynching and hate crime cases. Subsequent police visits the following day reportedly involved threats to lawyers present at the office.

The FIR against Khan is reportedly based on an exhibition highlighting hate crimes, hate speech, and Supreme Court judgments, including the Tehseen Poonawalla case, which outlines guidelines for addressing mob violence. PUCL described the FIR as a direct attack on freedom of speech and advocacy for constitutional rights.

PUCL demanded the immediate quashing of the FIR, cessation of harassment, compensation for Khan’s family, and legal action against the police officials involved. The organisation also expressed concerns about the increasing criminalisation of human rights activism in India.