Derogatory remarks against Prime Minister: Transgender makeup artist Jaanmoni Das arrested
Transgender makeup artist Jaanmoni Das was arrested by Kozhikode police following a complaint regarding derogatory remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media video. She was later released on bail after questioning.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding freedom of speech, social media conduct, and the application of new legal codes in India.
The Kozhikode Cyber police on Thursday (August 20, 2026) arrested transgender makeup artist Jaanmoni Das in connection with a case registered against her over a derogatory remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by Mahila Morcha State president Navya Haridas. In her complaint submitted to the District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) last month, Ms. Haridas had accused Ms. Das of making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister in a video circulated on social media related to the recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
A case had been then registered under Sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 356(2) [criminal defamation] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the First Information Report, the video was found carrying defamatory content which was circulated with the intention of causing unrest and disturbing public peace.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in