Sharmistha Panoli (L) was jailed for remarks, while Ruchika Singh (R) faces a zero FIR for alleged abuse. This year it's Ruchika Singh, named in a zero FIR for allegedly abusing PM Narendra Modi at a Jantar Mantar protest. Prosecutors must establish that the words were intended, or were likely, to provoke a breach of public peace. "The law protects robust criticism of public officials because democracy requires space for disagreement," he said. "Courts have repeatedly reminded citizens that freedom of speech is among the Constitution's most valuable rights, but one that carries corresponding responsibilities.