The Allahabad High Court, in a ruling last week, dismissed a writ petition filed by YouTuber and Instagram influencer Mridul Madhok, who sought to quash an FIR registered against him. The FIR was lodged over allegations of body shaming, defamation, and making false claims about fitness influencer Kopal Agarwal.

Noting that the impugned FIR disclosed the commission of a cognizable offense by Madhok, the court dismissed his petition.

However, the bench comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Om Prakash Shukla clarified that if Madhok and Agarwal reach a compromise, he may present it before the Investigating Officer, who can then take an appropriate decision on the matter.

Essentially, the FIR against Madhok, filed by Agarwal, has been lodged under Section 318 (4) [Cheating], 336 (3) [Forgery], 356 (2) (Defamation), 79 [insulting modesty of woman] BNS read with Section 67 [Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form] IT Act and Section 63 [copyright infringement] Copyright Act.

In her complaint, Agarwal alleged that Madhok misused her pictures and identity in a misleading and defamatory manner on Instagram. She claimed that he posted a reel falsely stating that she was his customer and that his fat burner supplement had helped her lose weight.

Her complaint further stated that Madhok used her before-and-after pictures without permission, violating her privacy and copyright. She also alleged that he body-shamed her in the reel, causing severe mental distress.

Madhok approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR, claiming that he had learned Agarwal was willing to settle the matter through a compromise.

Considering this submission, the Court declined to entertain Madhok's plea but granted him the liberty to settle the matter with Agarwal and present the compromise before the Investigating Officer.

Case title - Mridul Madhok vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Govt. Lko And 2 Others 2025 LiveLaw (AB) 47