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An FIR was registered on Friday against Mahesh Jhalani, a freelance journalist based in Jaipur, for allegedly posting a defamatory article on social media targeting the Rajasthan Chief Secretary, V. Srinivas, and the administration. The action was initiated following a Facebook post dated April 26, which allegedly contained objectionable content affecting the image of the State Government and senior officials.
The post had sharply criticized the functioning of the administration, alleging the system had become "paralysed", and questioned the leadership of the Chief Secretary, citing lack of field experience and ineffective governance.
Jhalani has since expressed regret over the language used in his post, saying it was written "in a moment of anger and agitation" and acknowledging that its tone was inappropriate and against journalistic values. He met Chief Secretary V. Srinivas in person and conveyed his apology, which was accepted with "grace and generosity".
The office of the Chief Secretary had directed that legal action be taken under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, and the Home Department of the Rajasthan government had issued instructions to register a case against the journalist. The case has been assigned to investigating officer Motilal Sharma, and further investigation is underway.
The court will review the case, and the Rajasthan government will take further action based on the investigation's findings. The journalist's apology has been noted, but the legal process will continue as per the relevant laws and regulations.