Srinagar, Apr 17 (JKNS): In a major step to safeguard communal harmony and maintain public order, the District Magistrate Jammu has imposed sweeping restrictions on the circulation of objectionable content on social media platforms across the district for a period of 60 days.
According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas, IAS, as per news agency JKNS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the decision follows growing concerns over misuse of digital platforms for spreading communally sensitive, misleading and provocative content capable of disturbing peace and triggering unrest.
The order explicitly prohibits posting, uploading, sharing or forwarding any material including text, images, videos, audio, memes or reels that promotes enmity, hatred or ill-will among communities on the basis of religion, race, caste, language or region. It also bans dissemination of fake or fabricated information, morphed or doctored visuals, and out-of-context content aimed at misrepresenting facts or inciting communal passions.
Authorities have further barred the use of social media platforms to call for boycotts, issue threats, incite violence, or organise unlawful assemblies targeting any particular community. Circulation of unverified information related to communal incidents or security matters has also been strictly restricted.
The order underlines that such activities pose a serious threat to public tranquility and may endanger lives and property. It cites constitutional provisions under Article 19(2) and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, empowering authorities to impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, security and public order.
The administration has warned that violations will attract stringent legal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, BNSS 2023, and the IT Act, including registration of FIRs and prosecution as per law.
Citizens have been directed to refrain from sharing any unverified or inflammatory content and to immediately report such material to the nearest police station or cyber crime unit. Special responsibility has also been placed on administrators of WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages and other digital forums to ensure that prohibited content is not circulated through their platforms.
The order further mandates the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, to ensure strict enforcement, while the Cyber Crime Unit has been tasked with 24×7 monitoring of social media platforms. Additionally, dedicated social media monitoring cells will be established at the sub-divisional level under the supervision of respective SDMs to ensure effective ground-level implementation.
Social media intermediaries have also been directed to comply with takedown requests issued by authorised officers under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, failing which they may lose safe harbour protection and face legal consequences.
The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation for a period of 60 days, unless modified, extended or withdrawn earlier. Authorities have reiterated that the move is aimed at ensuring peace, preventing misinformation, and maintaining communal harmony in the district. (JKNS)
