- Supreme Court passed an important order on 30.3.2020 in a PIL filed on grievances of migrant labours in different parts of the Country. (WP (C) No. 468 of 2020 – Alakh Alok Srivastava Vs. Union of India)
- While passing the order, Court took note of a quote from Dr. Terdos Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO – “We are not just fighting an epidemic; we are fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous.”
- The Court then noted that it’s not possible to overlook the menace of fake news either by electronic, print or social media. The Court noted Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 which provides for punishment to a person making or circulating false alarm or warning as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic. Punishment is imprisonment upto one year or fine. Court also noted that any advisory issued by the public authorities is binding on public and violation of the same may attract punishment under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.
So here is what you should do during these times while posting anything on social media:
- Use only official information – which is available through daily bulletins of Health Ministry or other departments.
- Ensure that unverified news capable of causing panic is not dieesminated.
- On WhatsApp Groups – let only the Administrators post for few days.
- Verify the authenticity of any forwards or figures before sending.
- Avoid any inciting, instigating messages. Ask others not to send such material.
- Post responsibly and only what is required.