The Leh district administration has invoked legal measures to curb the spread of misinformation on social media in the district, which experienced violence last month.
Mobile internet services were restored
in Leh district on Thursday night after remaining suspended for over a fortnight following widespread violence on September 24, which left four persons dead and scores of others injured.
According to Leh District Magistrate (DM) Romil Singh Donk, the order to prohibit fake news, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), would remain in force for two months.
He stated that there are sufficient grounds to invoke the provision to preserve peace and tranquillity in the region. “It has been observed that certain individuals/groups are spreading rumours and misinformation through social media platforms, which is likely to disturb law and order,” Donk said in the order.
Any person found indulging in the creation, sharing, or forwarding of fake news, messages, rumours, or misinformation shall be liable for “strict legal action” under relevant provisions of law, the order said.
The District Magistrate has also instructed all social media group administrators to monitor shared content and promptly remove anything identified as false, misleading, or intended to spread rumours.
“They shall also turn on ‘admin-only’ control of WhatsApp groups. This order is issued ex parte in the interest of public safety and to maintain public order,” Donk added.
The mobile internet services had remained suspended in Leh following widespread violence on September 24, which left four persons dead and scores of others injured.
