Jammu Court Summons Islamia School Principal, News Portal Editor in Criminal Defamation Case Over Viral Video from Kishtwar.
The Alert Insider
Jammu:- The Court of Sub-Judge/Special Railway Magistrate, Jammu, has summoned the Principal of Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School, Kishtwar, and the Editor of a local digital news portal in connection with a criminal defamation complaint arising out of a viral video incident from Kishtwar.
The complaint was filed by Shahan Sajjad Kichloo, Chairman of Delhi Public School, Kishtwar, and Senior Media Analyst of the National Conference (Zone Jammu), through Advocate M. A. Dar.
The matter is being heard by Sandeep Singh Sen, Sub-Judge/Special Railway Magistrate, Jammu.
As per the complaint, the incident dates back to September 19, 2025, when an unidentified individual allegedly entered the office of Mehboob Ahmad Qazi, Principal of Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School, Kishtwar, raising objections regarding alleged illegal collection of funds. The confrontation, which took place in the presence of school staff, was reportedly live-recorded on camera.
It is alleged that during the recorded interaction, the Principal made defamatory remarks against the complainant, imputing that he accepted money *“under the table.”* The complainant contends that the statement was made intentionally, knowingly and maliciously, with full awareness of his social and professional standing, and that it was capable of lowering his reputation in the eyes of society.
The video, according to the complaint, was subsequently circulated widely on social media and digital platforms, including publication by *The News Flasher*, a news portal stated to have around 63,000 followers. The footage has allegedly crossed 12,000 views and continues to remain in circulation.
After considering the allegations and the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Court observed that it would be appropriate to proceed under the new criminal code and to hear the accused persons before passing any further order. Accordingly, the Court directed that summons be issued to both accused to appear and respond to the allegations levelled against them.
The Court ordered that the summons be routed through the SSP, Kishtwar, at the expense of the complainant. Copies of the order, along with the complaint and annexures, are to be served upon the accused. The matter has been listed for further proceedings on February 2, 2026.
