The legal challenges for popular Bhojpuri singer and YouTuber Neha Singh Rathore have intensified significantly. In a major development, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has rejected her petition seeking anticipatory bail in a case linked to her online comments.
Moving the Battle to the Supreme Court
Following the dismissal of her plea by the High Court on Friday, Rathore has now decided to approach the Supreme Court of India for relief. The singer expressed respect for the court's decision while affirming her determination to fight for her rights at the highest judicial level.
"The court's decision is above all for me. I respect it. It is obvious that we will move to the Supreme Court for relief. I will go to the Supreme Court for my rights," Rathore stated in an interview with ANI.
She further emphasized her willingness to cooperate with the investigating authorities. Rathore claimed that the police had not formally served her any notice and mentioned that she was ready to provide her location or present herself before them if summoned.
The Core of the Controversy
The singer is facing multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered across various police stations in Uttar Pradesh. The complaints are connected to alleged indecent remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comments related to an incident in Pahalgam.
The specific case in question was registered earlier this year at the Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow. It pertains to comments made by Rathore in April. The complainant, poet Abhay Pratap Singh (also known as Abhay Singh), alleged that her social media posts had the potential to spread caste-based hatred and promote anti-national sentiments.
Rathore's Defense: Claims of Misinterpretation
In her defense, Neha Singh Rathore has consistently argued that her comments were misinterpreted. She clarified in a previous interaction that her intention was not to offend but to question the Prime Minister regarding security protocols following a specific attack.
The Bhojpuri artist explained that the remarks in question were not part of any song lyrics but were a direct appeal voicing safety concerns for tourists. Despite her explanations, the legal proceedings have continued to advance, leading to the recent High Court order and her subsequent decision to appeal to the Supreme Court.
