The Supreme Court has confirmed absolute protection from arrest for folk singer Neha Singh Rathore in an FIR accusing her of posting “objectionable” content on social media criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar passed the order today, March 10, 2026, after the State counsel confirmed Rathore’s compliance with earlier directives, including appearing before investigators for statement recording on January 19.

While granting the relief, the bench mandated that Rathore shall continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation, appearing before the Investigating Officer as required. This upholds the court’s January 2026 interim order, which cautioned that any non-appearance would be viewed seriously.

The bench was adjudicating Rathore’s special leave petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s denial of anticipatory bail. The High Court had rejected her plea, observing that her X (formerly Twitter) posts disrespected the Prime Minister and were made at a “crucial time” following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by a Pakistan-backed terrorist group. It invoked Article 19(2) restrictions on free speech for public order, decency, and morality.

The FIR No. 147/2025 at Aaspur Devsara Police Station, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, under Sections 196, 299, 353, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and IT Act provisions, alleges Rathore’s posts—published during government preparations for retaliation against Pakistan and amid imposed restrictions—sought to undermine national integrity and incite communal crimes based on religion and caste.

This order comes 2.5 months after the High Court dismissed Rathore’s separate plea to quash the FIR, upholding charges of endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Known for satirical songs on socio-political themes, Rathore maintains her expressions are protected dissent.

Case Title: Neha Singh Rathore @ Neha Kumari versus State of Uttar Pradesh and Anr. | SLP(Crl.) No. 21174/2025