The Karnataka High Court quashed an FIR against YouTuber 'Drone Prathap' for a sodium-based pond explosion experiment, ruling it was educational and part of NCERT curriculum. The judgment emphasizes scientific inquiry in public interest.
HC Protects Educational Experiment by YouTuber
The Karnataka High Court quashed a criminal case filed against YouTuber Prathap NM, popularly known as 'Drone Prathap', who was booked under various penal provisions for conducting a science experiment involving 100 grams of sodium in an artificial pond. Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that the act was not criminal but an educational demonstration falling within the 10th standard NCERT science syllabus.
The court observed that Prathap had not acted with mens rea or intent to endanger public safety, and the experiment was conducted in a controlled setting with safety disclosures. It noted that criminalizing such scientific outreach could stifle innovation and discourage digital education. The FIR, registered under BNS provisions corresponding to IPC Sections 284 (negligent conduct with explosives) and 506 (criminal intimidation), was deemed disproportionate.
This ruling reaffirms judicial recognition of scientific expression under Article 19(1)(a). It may influence future cases involving digital educators conducting lawful experiments. Practitioners should consider invoking public interest and proportionality under Article 14 when defending similar educational activities. The decision signals a progressive stance on digital pedagogy and scientific freedom in India.
Citations
- Pratap NM v State of Karnataka
