SRINAGAR: The administration in Jammu district imposed prohibitory orders to prevent the posting of provocative messages on social media after the government granted ST status to the Pahari community in Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration sensing potential attempts by anti-social elements to mislead the public issued the order under Section 144 of CrPC. In the order, District Magistrate (DM) of Jammu has instructed social media news portals operating in the district to abstain from publishing messages that could disrupt communal harmony, incite a breach of peace, or disturb public tranquility.
Jammu District Implements Section 144 to Prevent Provocative Social Media Messages
“It has been made to appear that there is a likelihood of serious breach of peace and order and disturbance of public tranquility which might cause grave danger to human lives and properties because of the disinformation that is being spread on social media platforms by posting/sharing of derogatory, discriminatory and provocative messages,” the order reads.
The order said that any breach of peace and order and disturbance of public tranquility which might cause grave danger to human lives and properties should be immediately prevented.
“There is sufficient ground to proceed under section 144 of CrPC and prohibit the individuals and social media news platforms/portals operating in Jammu from posting/sharing any such post/message that has the potential to disturb the communal harmony, cause a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility,” it said.
It said that the order shall come into force with immediate effect and any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860.
