This observation of the Supreme Court comes after the Uttar Pradesh government gave directions to the state police to prosecute people under the National Security Act who engaged in “rumour-mongering”.
In a stringent warning, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the states and police to not take action on citizens using social media to give out SOS calls for medical help. It further said that contempt action will be taken against those who engage in clamping down on such information.
A three-judge bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao, and S Ravindra Bhat was hearing the suo moto case taken by the Supreme Court to deal with COVID-19 related issues such as oxygen supply, vaccine shortage, etc.
“If citizens communicate their grievance on social media and internet, then it cannot be said that it’s wrong information,” observed Justice DY Chandrachud, according to LiveLaw
“We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media and internet then it cannot be said its wrong information.” said the Court.
“Let a strong message go to all the states and DGP of states,” noted the Court while making it clear that contempt of court action will be taken against the police officers who act against this order.
Social media timelines have been flooded SOS calls on social media for oxygen, ventilators, beds and medications. Government apathy meant that several citizens had to take help through social media.
Also Read: BMC Halts Vaccination Drive In Mumbai For 3 Days Amid Shortage
Notably, this observation of the Supreme Court comes after the Uttar Pradesh government gave directions to the state police to prosecute people under the National Security Act who engaged in “rumour-mongering” after assuring that there was no shortage of oxygen or medications in the state.
Recently, the Amethi Police in UP recently booked a boy under various provisions of IPC for “spreading false information”. The accused had issued an appeal on Twitter for leads for oxygen availability to save the life of his grandfather who was in a critical condition.
Many other High Courts have been hearing pleas and asking difficult questions to the state governments on the shambolic state of affairs with regards to COVID-19 in the country.
India recorded 3,86,452 cases and 3498 deaths in the last 24 hours.
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