CCUs to monitor online platforms, violators to face FIRs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: The District administrations in Jammu and Ramban districts have imposed a ban on posting or sharing communally sensitive and inflammatory content on social media platforms for a period of 60 days, citing concerns over public order and communal harmony.
The orders were issued by District Magistrates (DMs) of Jammu and Samba, Dr Rakesh Minhas and Mohammad Alyas Khan, under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and came into immediate effect.
According to the orders, the administrations in the twin towns have observed increasing misuse of social media platforms to spread provocative, false, and misleading content that could incite communal tensions, disturb peace, and endanger lives and property.
They said that posting, uploading, sharing or forwarding any content-whether text, image, video, audio, meme or graphic-that promotes enmity or hatred between communities on the basis of religion, caste, language or region is strictly prohibited within the district.
The orders also banned the creation or circulation of fake or fabricated information intended to trigger violence or unrest.
Sharing morphed or out-of-context images and videos to misrepresent incidents and inflame sentiments has also been disallowed.
Further, the use of social media to call for boycotts, issue threats, or incite violence against any group has been prohibited.
The administrations in the twin towns have also barred organising or coordinating mobs, unlawful assemblies or processions through social media with the intent to target or intimidate any community.
Circulation of speeches or material aimed at hurting religious sentiments or provoking sectarian tensions has also been restricted.
Officials said the decisions were taken in view of the growing misuse of platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram.
The administrations warned that violations would invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.
The Senior Superintendents of Police Jammu and Samba have been directed to ensure immediate registration of FIRs against violators, while Cybercrime Unit (CCU) Jammu has been asked to monitor online platforms round-the-clock. Special monitoring cells will also be set up at the sub-divisional level.
The orders placed responsibility on administrators of social media groups to prevent the spread of prohibited content, failing which they may face legal action.
Social media intermediaries have also been asked to comply with takedown requests issued under the IT Act and Rules.
The administrations have urged citizens to act responsibly, avoid forwarding unverified content, and report any objectionable material to the police or cybercrime authorities.
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