On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued an interim order staying the proceedings in two FIRs lodged against Professor Sanjay Kumar—psephologist and Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS).
The FIRs stemmed from his erroneous tweet that presented incorrect voter-turnout data for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections .
The bench, comprising Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice N. V. Anjaria, granted relief while issuing notice on Kumar’s writ petition seeking quashing of the FIRs . On August 17, Kumar had shared data on X suggesting sharp declines and fluctuations in voter turnout in specific constituencies—claims that were later found to be the result of a misinterpretation by his data team . Recognizing the error, he issued a public apology and removed the post on August 19.
In response, authorities under the Election Commission of India registered FIRs in Nashik and Nagpur, invoking provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023—including Sections 175 (false election-related statements), 353(1)(b), 212, 340(1)(2), and 356 .
Kumar contended that the FIRs represented an “abuse of State power” and were aimed at chilling academic freedom. He argued that a mistaken tweet—corrected promptly—did not exhibit criminal intent, nor could it serve as valid grounds for charges such as forgery.
This action has been welcomed by advocates of free speech and academic integrity. It underscores the Court’s sensitivity toward inadvertent errors made in scholarly or public-interest commentary, particularly when swiftly rectified.
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