Rajasthan Court Summons Drishti IAS Founder for Alleged Derogatory Remarks Against Judiciary

A court in Ajmer, Rajasthan, has taken cognisance of a criminal complaint against Vikas Divyakirti, founder of Drishti IAS, for allegedly making derogatory and defamatory statements against the judiciary in a viral YouTube video titled “IAS v/s Judge: Who is More Powerful”. The court — presided over by JM Manmohan Chandel — found that the comments prima facie attracted offences under Sections 353(2), 356(2), 356(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66A(B) of the IT Act. Divyakirti has been summoned to appear in person on July 22, 2025, and the Ajmer Police have been directed to proceed with the investigation.

In the video, Divyakirti reportedly stated that High Court judges are appointed through lobbying (“jugaad”) and sweets-distribution, and that judicial power depends on police compliance, remarks seen as mocking the judiciary and eroding public confidence in its independence.

Divyakirti has denied authoring or sanctioning the video, contending it may have been edited or uploaded by third parties, and maintains that his statements amount to protected commentary on public institutions under Article 19(1)(a).


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First Hearing: July 22, 2025
Sections Invoked: BNS Act 2023 (355–356), IT Act Section 66A(B)