New Delhi, August 1, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for restraint and compassion following allegations that abusive language was used against him and his late mother during a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
In a video message shared on Friday, July 31, Modi said public anger over such conduct was understandable. However, he argued that punishment, prolonged court proceedings or social harassment would not help young people recognise their mistakes or reform their behaviour.
PM Modi Urges Forgiveness After Jantar Mantar Protest
Modi said people who had lost their way should be shown the right path instead of being permanently judged for one incident.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said he wanted to forgive those involved and urged society to accept that sentiment. He appealed to people to embrace and guide the young participants rather than isolate them.
“Abuses never solve anything” was the central message of the Prime Minister’s statement. He also encouraged young people to learn from their mistakes, pursue their dreams and work together for India’s progress.
The remarks marked a conciliatory response to a controversy that had generated anger and calls for action on social media.
What Happened at Jantar Mantar?
The controversy began after a video circulated online purportedly showing a participant at a Cockroach Janta Party-led protest using abusive language against Modi.
The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar had brought together young people and students raising concerns over examination irregularities and related issues. Reports from the protest site said offensive slogans were heard from multiple participants, while women associated with the movement later faced online targeting, including the circulation of cropped and allegedly manipulated images.
The viral clip involving one woman subsequently became the subject of a police complaint.
Zero FIR Transferred From Noida to Delhi
Noida Police registered a Zero FIR on July 29 after receiving a complaint concerning the alleged remarks. The case was transferred to Delhi Police on July 31 because the alleged incident took place within the national capital’s jurisdiction.
The complaint invoked Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to intentional insult, statements contributing to public mischief and criminal defamation.
Delhi Police officials said they would first examine the contents of the transferred FIR before deciding whether further investigation or legal action was required. Investigators were also expected to verify the authenticity of the viral video and determine whether the clips circulating online matched the original recording.
Police may also examine whether the allegations in the transferred complaint overlap with an existing case concerning the circulation of allegedly derogatory material linked to the protest.
Modi’s Appeal Does Not Decide the Police Case
The Prime Minister’s call for forgiveness does not automatically close the complaint or determine the outcome of the police examination.
Delhi Police must independently review the allegations, supporting electronic records and applicable legal provisions. Officials said the force would discuss the matter internally and seek legal opinion before deciding its future course of action.
Modi’s statement instead addressed the wider social reaction to the controversy. He asked people not to subject the young individuals involved to continuing harassment or treat their alleged conduct as something that should define their entire lives.
His message focused on correction, accountability and the opportunity to reform.
Apology Video Surfaces Online
An independently unverified apology video later circulated online, showing a person presented as the woman involved expressing regret for the alleged remarks.
The person claimed she had been influenced by slogans raised around her and apologised to the country. However, India Today reported that it could not independently verify the video’s authenticity. The age mentioned in the apology video also differed from details carried in earlier reports, leaving important questions unresolved.
Until investigators verify the person’s identity and the recording, the apology video should be treated cautiously rather than as confirmed evidence.
Guidance Instead of Retaliation
Modi concluded his message by urging young people to learn from their mistakes and move ahead with their lives. He said India was progressing rapidly and expressed the hope that every young person would also advance and fulfil their ambitions.
The Prime Minister’s intervention has therefore placed two separate issues in focus: the police examination of the alleged remarks and his public appeal for society to respond with guidance rather than retaliation.
Delhi Police is reviewing the transferred Zero FIR and the available electronic material. Any decision on further proceedings will depend on that examination and the legal opinion sought by investigators.
