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You Can Be Arrested For Social Media Posts Against Govt Officials, MPs, MLAs In This State

You Can Be Arrested For Social Media Posts Against Govt Officials, MPs, MLAs In This State

As per new reports coming in, if your social media has any offensive posts against the government, ministers, Parliamentarians, legislators, and state officials, it will be treated as cyber crime and invite penal action in the state of Bihar

The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has stated that only constructive criticism will be accepted.

Read on to find out all the details!

Offensive Social Media Posts To Be Treated As Cyber Crime In Bihar; Penal Action Will Follow

The additional director general heading the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Naiyar Hasnain Khan, has issued a letter that confirms the same. EOW is also the nodal body of the police for cyber crimes.

Cyber crimes are punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and a fine or both under the Information Technology Act.

The letter states, “It has come to light that certain persons and organisations have been making defamatory and offensive comments on social media against the government, respected ministers, parliamentarians, legislators, and government officials.” 

It has been addressed to all principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments in the state and has asked for intimation of any such activity by individuals or organizations so that the EOW would be able to take appropriate action as per the law.

Chief Minister Of Bihar States “Constructive Criticism Is Welcome”

After a whole lot of criticism ensued after the move, the state police has issued a clarification about the decision, which stated that constructive criticism will be welcomed and posts that spread rumours and use insulting language would be charged.

Jitendra Kumar, Additional Director General Headquarters said that criticism is healthy for democracy, but it should be constructive and should be done in a decent language.

He said, “This advisory was issued keeping in mind rumours and factually incorrect information and involving the use of insulting language on social media – these are punishable offences under the IT Act.”

The National Democratic Alliance, which rules over Bihar has supported the communication and said that restraining people who spread negativity on social media has now become necessary.

Image Source

Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

Radha Joglekar: An engineer, a history buff and a book-eater. A writer with a newfound interest in technology, attempting to build a bridge between the two!
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