Karnataka High Court: WhatsApp status is not circulation

The Karnataka High Court ruled that a WhatsApp status does not amount to publication or circulation under Section 505(2) of the IPC, as it is accessible only to the user's contacts. The court quashed an FIR against Venkappa Gowda over a status posted after the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

• Court held a WhatsApp status is neither a social media platform nor a public forum
• FIR against Venkappa Gowda under IPC Section 505(2) was quashed
• Court relied on the Supreme Court's 1997 Bilal Ahmed Kaloo ruling
• Publication and criminal intent are essential for Section 505(2)