Posting Pictures of Prohibited Arms Online Does Not Amount to Sedition: Himachal Pradesh High Court
Case Background — Arrest Under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita The case concerns Abhishek Bhardwaj , a 20-year-old college dropout , who was arrested in May 2025 from Sukahar village in Dehra sub-division of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh . The arrest followed allegations by the police that sensitive and objectionable content was found on his mobile phone, leading to suspicions of spying and anti-national activity. Based on these allegations, Bhardwaj was booked under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) , which criminalises acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India . Prosecution Allegations — Social Media Activity and Espionage Claims According to the police, Bhardwaj had: Uploaded photos and videos on Facebook displaying prohibited or illegal weapons Followed anti-national persons on social media Uploaded images of the Pakistan flag along with arms Shared information about Operation Sindoor with alleged Pakistani contacts Expressed opposition to Op...