Karnataka High Court Criticizes Police Over Detention of Social Media User

The Karnataka High Court has sharply criticized Whitefield police for their conduct in detaining a social media user in connection with posts about a cancelled comedian's show, raising concerns about the use of police powers to intimidate citizens. The court's remarks came during a hearing on August 29, 2026, regarding a petition filed by Mohan Gowda, a convenor of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, seeking to quash the case against him.

The case stems from an event in early August 2026. After Gowda made a representation to police opposing a planned comedy show by Kunal Kamra in Bengaluru's Whitefield area, the show was cancelled. Gowda then posted on social media describing the cancellation as a "victory for Hindu unity." Police subsequently registered a first information report (FIR) based on a complaint from a constable, alleging the post could disturb communal harmony.

A notice was issued to Gowda under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on August 5, directing him to appear for questioning within three days. However, police personnel traveled to Udupi and brought Gowda to Bengaluru before that deadline expired. The court questioned why this action was...