Bhopal Police Ban Inflammatory Social Media Content for 2 Months

Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar has issued a two-month preventive order under Section 163 of the BNSS prohibiting inflammatory social media content that could disrupt communal harmony. The order targets posts that inflame religious, social or caste sentiments, and holds group administrators personally responsible for content shared in their groups. Violations are punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, with cyber cafes also required to maintain user registers and install web cameras. Bhopal Police chief issues strict order against inflammatory social media content Bhopal, Sep 8 In a bid to safeguard communal harmony and public order, Bhopal Urban Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar has issued a preventive order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, prohibiting the circulation of objectionable and inflammatory content on social media platforms. "These 'internet social media wars' remain active and pose a real threat to public peace and law and order. - Sanjay Kumar, Bhopal Police Commissioner" The order released on Monday follows concerns raised by media and the public that anti-social elements have been using platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, Telegram and others to spread messages, images, videos and audio clips capable of disrupting the social fabric, creating enmity between communities and hurting religious sentiments in Bhopal city. According to the order, such content, especially when accompanied by comments and cross-comments, often fuels greater hostility than the original social media posts themselves. The Commissioner noted that these "internet social media wars" remain active and pose a real threat to public peace and law and order. Under the restrictions, no person shall misuse any social media platform to circulate messages that inflame religious, social or caste-based sentiments or promote enmity. The transmission of any objectionable or provocative photos, videos or audio that could spark communal discord is banned. Users are also prohibited from liking, commenting on, sharing or forwarding such posts. Group administrators have been made personally responsible for preventing the spread of such content in their groups. No individual is also allowed to spread communal, religious or caste hatred, create enmity, provoke or incite violence, or circulate rumours and distorted facts that could lead people or communities into violence or illegal activities. Calls for gatherings aimed at unlawful activities that threaten law and order are also forbidden, the order warned. Owners of cyber cafes within Bhopal city limits must not permit unidentified persons to use their facilities. They are required to maintain a register recording the handwritten name, address, telephone number and identity proof of every user, and install web cameras to photograph visitors and preserve the records. The order has been issued ex-parte under Section 163(2) of the BNSS in the interest of public safety, as there was insufficient time to serve notices to all concerned parties. It takes effect immediately and will remain in force for two months unless withdrawn earlier. Violation of the order, the Police Commissioner said, is punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, among other applicable laws. — IANS