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Social Media Star Appointed as Special Public Prosecutor

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 1:48 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: Punjab, INDIA

Mohali, Punjab - February 4th, 2026 - In a move that has sent ripples through India's legal and social media landscapes, Uorfi Masood, the social media personality renowned for her bold fashion and candid commentary, has been appointed as a Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to preside over nine cases currently under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Mohali court. The announcement, made yesterday by the Punjab government, has ignited a fierce debate regarding the qualifications, appropriateness, and potential ramifications of appointing a non-traditional legal professional to such a sensitive role.

Masood, who amassed a significant following through platforms like Instagram and TikTok - known for often provocative content - lacks formal legal training. This fact has become the central point of contention for legal experts, opposition parties, and even concerned citizens. Critics argue that the position of SPP demands a robust understanding of legal precedents, criminal procedure, evidence handling, and courtroom strategy, areas where Masood's publicly documented experience is demonstrably absent.

"This isn't about being against innovation or diverse perspectives," stated Advocate Rajan Sharma, a senior criminal lawyer practicing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. "It's about upholding the integrity of the judicial process. The NIA deals with serious offenses - terrorism, secessionism, and threats to national security. A Special Public Prosecutor needs to be meticulously prepared to navigate complex legal arguments and effectively prosecute these cases. While Ms. Masood is undoubtedly a public figure, her skillset simply doesn't align with the demands of this office."

The Punjab government, however, defends the appointment, framing it as a progressive step towards modernizing the legal system and bringing fresh perspectives to the courtroom. A statement released by the Chief Minister's office emphasized the government's belief that Masood's "strong communication skills, ability to connect with a wide audience, and unconventional thinking" could prove beneficial in presenting complex cases to the jury and the public. The statement also hinted at a potential desire to increase public engagement with the legal system.

This reasoning has done little to quell the criticism. Many point to the precedent this sets. If social media influence and public recognition are sufficient qualifications for a position as sensitive as SPP, what safeguards are in place to ensure competency and impartiality? Concerns are also being raised about the potential for the trials to become more about media spectacle than about justice. Masood's large social media following and penchant for self-promotion could overshadow the factual evidence and create undue pressure on the court.

The nine NIA cases slated for prosecution under Masood's direction involve a range of alleged offenses, including suspected radicalization attempts, funding of pro-Khalistan groups, and involvement in minor acts of sabotage. The cases have been ongoing for several years, and the appointment of Masood raises questions about the continuity and handling of evidence previously gathered by seasoned legal professionals.

Legal analysts are also speculating about the legal basis of the appointment. SPPs are typically appointed from a pool of experienced lawyers with a proven track record of success in criminal litigation. While the government has the authority to appoint SPPs, the rationale behind choosing someone without any formal legal qualifications is being challenged. Several petitions are reportedly being prepared for submission to the High Court, seeking clarification on the legality of the appointment.

The situation is further complicated by the political context. The ruling party in Punjab has been actively courting younger voters and leveraging social media to amplify its message. Critics allege that Masood's appointment is a calculated move to generate publicity and boost the party's image, rather than a genuine effort to improve the efficiency of the judicial system.

Uorfi Masood herself has remained relatively quiet since the announcement, releasing a brief statement on her social media accounts thanking the Punjab government for the opportunity and expressing her commitment to "serving justice." She has promised to take the role seriously and vowed to "learn everything she needs to know" to effectively prosecute the cases.

Whether this unconventional appointment will prove to be a successful experiment in legal innovation or a damaging blow to the integrity of the judicial process remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the trials in Mohali court will be closely watched, not just by the legal community, but by the entire nation.