Allahabad HC Denies Anticipatory Bail to Singer Neha Rathore Over ‘Disrespectful’ Posts on PM, Pahalgam Attack
Court cites lack of cooperation with investigation, notes Prime Minister’s name used in ‘disrespectful manner’ in social media posts
Lucknow, December 6, 2025 – The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of folk singer Neha Singh Rathore in connection with an FIR lodged against her for allegedly making objectionable posts on social media regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Pahalgam terror attack.
Justice Brij Raj Singh observed that the posts were against the Prime Minister and that his name had been used in a disrespectful manner. The court further noted that while Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it is subject to reasonable restrictions for public order, decency, or morality.
The court highlighted that Rathore had made the posts at a crucial time when the unfortunate Pahalgam incident took place on April 22, 2025, in which 26 tourists, including a Nepali national, were killed by a Pakistan-backed terrorist organization.
The FIR, registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow on April 27, alleges that following the terror attack, Rathore published statements on her X (formerly Twitter) handle that were anti-India in nature. The prosecution argued that at a time when the government was preparing to respond to Pakistan and had imposed strict restrictions, Rathore was making objectionable posts to adversely affect national integrity and incite people to commit crimes on the basis of religion and caste.
The court found that Rathore was not cooperating with the investigation and that more than seven months had passed since the FIR was lodged. Her anticipatory bail plea was dismissed, with liberty granted to seek legal remedy as may be available under law.
Government Advocate VK Singh submitted that the Supreme Court, in its October 2025 order in Rathore’s case, had directed that all issues be raised at the time of framing of charges, and that this direction was binding on the High Court under Article 141 of the Constitution. The prosecution alleged that even after rejection of her plea by the apex court, she was avoiding police investigation despite earlier directions to cooperate.
On the merits of the allegations, the State asserted that Rathore displayed malicious intention against the Bharatiya Janata Party and its leaders, including the Prime Minister, and attempted to create hatred between communities. The State also highlighted that her posts were widely circulated globally, especially in Pakistan, where they were used to support narratives against India.
In an earlier interview, Rathore defended her statements, insisting they had been misinterpreted. She stated that her intention was to question security arrangements for tourists in the wake of the attack, and that her remarks were not a song but a direct appeal over security concerns.
Rathore, known for her politically charged Bhojpuri folk songs including the viral “UP Mein Ka Ba,” has faced multiple FIRs across Uttar Pradesh for similar allegations. Her work focuses on social issues including unemployment, corruption, and politics, aiming to preserve Bhojpuri tradition.
Senior Advocate Purnendu Chakravarty, assisted by advocates Shivanshu Goswami, Kaustubh Singh, and Arpit Verma, appeared for Rathore. Following the rejection of her anticipatory bail plea, police have reportedly formed a special team to locate and arrest the singer.
