Delhi High Court Slaps ₹30k Costs on SpiceJet Passenger for False Hijack Claim

• The Delhi High Court imposed costs of ₹30,000 on a SpiceJet passenger for falsely claiming his flight was hijacked on social media.
• The passenger's tweet sparked an FIR under the Indian Penal Code 1860, highlighting the potential consequences of making false claims on social media.
• This case serves as a reminder to individuals to verify information before sharing it online and be mindful of their online actions.

Rathore later clarified and apologized for the mistake, attributing it to his limited knowledge of English and frustration with the flight delay.

A recent case in the Delhi High Court has highlighted the consequences of making false claims of hijacking or other serious incidents on social media. In this instance, a SpiceJet passenger, Moti Singh Rathore, posted a tweet claiming that his flight had been hijacked, tagging the Civil Aviation Minister in the process.

Rathore's tweet was made during a 6-hour delay caused by severe bad weather, which diverted the flight from Dubai to Jaipur to Delhi. The passenger later clarified and apologized for the mistake, attributing it to his limited knowledge of English and frustration with the flight delay.

The case against Rathore was initiated under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 505(1) (b) (public mischief by spreading alarming rumour) and 507 (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) of the Indian Penal Code 1860. The Delhi High Court imposed costs of ₹30,000 on the passenger for his false claim.

This ruling serves as a reminder that making false claims of serious incidents can have legal consequences. Lawyers should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to avoid such situations.

The Delhi High Court's decision sends a clear message about the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media. In today's digital age, false claims can spread quickly and cause public panic.

This case also highlights the need for individuals to be mindful of their online actions and the potential consequences of making false claims. The ₹30,000 costs imposed by the court are a significant reminder that such actions can have real-world repercussions.

Lawyers should be aware that making false claims of hijacking or other serious incidents on social media can lead to significant costs and potential criminal proceedings.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]