Chandigarh, October 9
In a firm crackdown on objectionable and unlawful social media content, the Punjab Police have registered multiple FIRs across several districts after receiving numerous complaints regarding posts and videos targeting Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai.
The action comes following the detection of over a hundred social media handles involved in sharing or promoting hateful and inflammatory material.
A Punjab Police spokesperson said that the content in question related to attacks on a high constitutional authority, caste-based vilification, and incitement, amounting to public mischief and deliberate attempts to disturb peace and public order by exploiting caste and communal sentiments.
The posts reportedly carried casteist and hate-filled expressions intended to promote disharmony, disturb public order, and erode respect for judicial institutions.
The spokesperson further said that the nature of the social media posts reflected a clear intent to provoke violence and undermine the constitutional position of the Chief Justice of India.
The content also included intentional intimidation and insult to a member of a Scheduled Caste, attempts to promote enmity, hatred and ill-will against members of the Scheduled Castes, and promotion of enmity between groups on the grounds of caste.
It also amounted to intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace and statements conducing to public mischief.
FIRs have been registered under sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, along with Sections 196, 352, 353(1), 353(2), and 61 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), on receipt of information disclosing the commission of cognizable offences.
The Punjab Police spokesperson said that the department is closely monitoring online platforms to identify individuals and groups responsible for circulating hate content and targeting constitutional authorities. He emphasised that freedom of speech cannot be misused to spread hatred, provoke violence, or undermine respect for institutions.
Further investigations into the FIRs are underway in accordance with the law.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I support action against hate speech, I hope this doesn't become a tool to silence legitimate criticism. The police should ensure they're only targeting genuine hate content, not differing opinions.
This is a much-needed step. Social media has become a breeding ground for hatred and caste-based abuse. No one should be targeted because of their caste background, especially not our constitutional authorities.
As someone living in Punjab, I appreciate this action. The state has seen enough communal tension, and we don't need more hatred being spread online. Respect for institutions is crucial for democracy.
Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom to spread hatred. Targeting someone based on caste is a crime, plain and simple. The police are right to use SC/ST Act provisions here. 🚫
Good to see the authorities taking online hate seriously. In many countries, such attacks on judiciary would be dealt with strictly. Hope this sets a precedent for other states too.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.