An FIR has been filed against journalists Abhishek Upadhyay and Mamta Tripathi at the Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow, on September 20, 2024, for their posts on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter). The posts raised concerns about caste-based postings of officers in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly tarnishing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's image, promoting enmity, and threatening national integrity.

The FIR, lodged by freelance journalist Pankaj Kumar, accuses them of posting misleading information with malicious intent. Charges include assault or obstruction of public servants (Section 353(2)), acts to insult religious sentiments (302), defamation (356(2)), IT Act violations (66), and others under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Abhishek Upadhyay called the FIR an attempt to intimidate journalists, asserting that similar questions were raised about previous governments without reprisal. The move has drawn widespread criticism from journalists and activists, who see it as a threat to democracy and press freedom. They highlighted constitutional violations, including freedom of speech, association, profession, and life (Articles 19 and 21).

Appeals have been made to the NHRC to take suo moto cognizance and initiate an impartial investigation, emphasizing the importance of protecting press freedom in a democracy.