The Supreme Court on Friday disposed of a PIL challenging the practice of police authorities sharing the photographs, videos, names and other personal details of accused persons on official social media accounts, websites and other digital platforms before their conviction.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana was hearing a PIL filed by Advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami. The petitioner raised concerns over State-authorised social media posts by police authorities, particularly the publication of identifying details of persons accused of offences while criminal proceedings against them were still pending.
During the hearing, counsel submitted that the concern related specifically to the manner in which police authorities use their official social media platforms to publicise accused persons.
The Bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana noted that a similar issue had already been considered by the Court and that model rules had subsequently been framed to address the concerns.
The Court observed that the PIL had been effectively answered by its earlier order dated January 15, 2026, passed in Criminal Appeal No. 1255/2025, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. State of Maharashtra.
The Bench accordingly disposed of the PIL, relying on the framework and directions already laid down in the earlier proceedings.