KINS Desk
Jammu, Apr 17 (KINS): Dr. Rakesh Minhas, District Magistrate of Jammu, has issued a strict order prohibiting the posting, sharing and circulation of communal, provocative and misleading content on social media platforms across the district for a period of 60 days.
The order, as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) comes amid concerns over the misuse of platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram for spreading false, provocative and communal material capable of disturbing public peace and harmony.
According to the order, people have been barred from posting or forwarding any text, images, videos, audio clips, memes or reels that promote hatred or enmity between communities on the basis of religion, caste, race, language or region. The administration has also prohibited the circulation of fake news, doctored videos, morphed images and unverified rumours that may trigger communal tension or violence.
The District Magistrate has further banned the use of social media to call for boycotts, issue threats, provoke violence, organise unlawful assemblies or spread speeches and material aimed at hurting religious sentiments.
The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with the administration citing threats to public order and communal harmony in the district. It also refers to provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, including Section 69A, which empowers authorities to block objectionable online content.
Violators may face strict legal action under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the IT Act. Punishments include imprisonment ranging from one year to seven years, and in serious cases involving threats to the sovereignty and integrity of India, even life imprisonment.
Residents have been directed not to forward inflammatory content and instead report such material immediately to the nearest police station or the Cyber Crime Unit. Group administrators and moderators of social media forums have also been warned that they will be held jointly responsible if prohibited content is circulated through their platforms.
The order directs the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, to ensure strict enforcement and registration of FIRs against violators. A 24×7 monitoring mechanism will also be set up by the Cyber Crime Unit, while special Social Media Monitoring Cells will function at the sub-divisional level.
The restrictions have come into force immediately and will remain applicable throughout Jammu district for the next 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier. (KINS)
