High Court Halts Probe Against RTI Activist and Journalists Over Social Media Post on CM's Helicopter
The Punjab and Haryana High Court stepped in on Monday. It granted interim relief to a law student who also works as an RTI activist and three journalists. The court stayed further investigation in an FIR registered against them. This case stems from a social media post that questioned the use of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's official helicopter.
Court Issues Notice, Next Hearing Set for February
Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj presided over the matter. He issued a notice of motion to the State of Punjab. This notice is returnable on February 23, 2026. The court's order effectively puts a pause on all proceedings related to the FIR until the next date of hearing.
The petitioners approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR. They filed their petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The group includes Manik Goyal, a law student and RTI activist. Journalists Baljinder Singh, Maninderjeet Singh, and Mandeep Singh Makkar are also petitioners.
FIR Registered in Ludhiana Over December Social Media Post
Authorities registered the FIR on December 12, 2025. The Cyber Crime Police Station in Ludhiana filed the case. It invokes Sections 353(1), 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The entire situation began with a social media post. Manik Goyal shared this post on December 9, 2025. He flagged the movement of the Chief Minister's helicopter. The aircraft bears registration number VT-PSG. Goyal noted its activity on December 8.
At that precise time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was abroad. He was on an official visit to Japan from December 1 to December 10. The petitioners argue the FIR originates from a bona fide public query. Goyal simply asked about helicopter use when the CM was out of the country.
Post Used Public Flight Tracking Data
The petition provides important details about the information source. Goyal sourced his data from FlightRadar24. This is a publicly accessible and lawful flight-tracking platform. Anyone can use it.
By entering the helicopter's registration number, Goyal observed its flight path. On December 8, the aircraft undertook multiple sorties within Chandigarh. It then flew to Amritsar. The helicopter travelled onward to another location before returning to Chandigarh.
The plea states the post merely shared publicly available data. It raised legitimate issues of transparency concerning the use of public resources. This act triggered a wider discussion. The three journalist-petitioners raised similar questions on their respective platforms. They also interviewed Goyal about his findings.
Petitioners Allege State Chose Criminal Action Over Clarification
The petition makes a strong allegation. It claims the State chose to initiate criminal proceedings instead of clarifying the matter. The FIR lacks a private complainant. A police officer, Inspector Satbir Singh, filed the complaint. No member of the public raised a grievance.
The plea further points out a curious omission. The FIR acknowledges the helicopter flew on the relevant date. It states the aircraft was used by a person holding a constitutional post. However, it conceals the identity of that person. It also hides the purpose of the flight.
The petitioners present a constitutional argument. They contend that raising questions and sharing public information is protected. Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution safeguards these actions. Participating in public debate is a fundamental right. The FIR, they argue, aims to stifle dissent and independent journalism.
Earlier RTI Applications Were Rejected
The petition references Goyal's earlier attempts to seek information. He filed RTI applications in 2024. These sought details on government expenditure for helicopters and aircraft since March 2022. Authorities rejected these applications. They cited security exemptions under Section 24 of the RTI Act.
Senior advocate R.S. Bains argued the case for the petitioners. Advocate Loveneet Thakur assisted him. The court's interim order provides temporary protection. It stays all further proceedings in the FIR. The legal battle will continue on the next hearing date.
