Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Relief to Bhim Army Leader Over “Moorkhmantri” Remark Against Yogi Adityanath

May 23, 2026 : The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to a Bhim Army leader accused of referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as “Moorkhmantri” in a social media post.

The relief was granted by a Division Bench comprising Justice Rajeev Misra and Justice Padam Narain Mishra while hearing a petition filed by Sudhir Aryan, an office-bearer of the Bhim Army Bharat Ekta Mission from Bareilly, seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him.

The case relates to a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, in which Aryan allegedly questioned whether Yogi Adityanath was a “Chief Minister or Moorkhmantri.” Following the post, an FIR was registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to statements allegedly capable of causing public mischief.

Appearing for Aryan, counsel argued that even if the allegations were accepted in full, no cognisable offence was made out. It was submitted that the remark amounted to political criticism protected under the constitutional right to free speech and did not attack the personal character of the Chief Minister.

The State opposed the plea, contending that the allegations required investigation under the relevant penal provisions. However, after hearing both sides, the High Court directed that no coercive action be taken against Aryan until further orders.

The Bench also issued notice to the State authorities and the complainant, seeking their response in the matter. The case will next be heard after the filing of counter affidavits by the respondents.