Jammu Imposes 60 Day Ban on Communal Content Across Social Media Platforms
Authorities tighten online regulations to prevent hate speech and maintain public order in the district
The Jammu district administration has announced a 60 day ban on sharing or circulating any form of communal or provocative content on social media. The decision was taken to maintain peace and prevent tensions among communities.
The order was issued by District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. It bars users from posting or forwarding content that could create division or hostility based on religion, caste, language, race, or region.
The restrictions apply immediately and cover all major social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Officials clarified that the ban extends beyond local users and includes content posted from outside the district if it has the potential to disrupt peace within Jammu.
According to the administration, social media has increasingly been used to spread misleading and inflammatory material. Such content, they said, can trigger communal tensions, threaten lives, and disturb public harmony.
The order also prohibits the use of digital platforms to organise gatherings or mobilise crowds that could target or intimidate any community. Sharing speeches or material that may hurt religious sentiments or incite divisions is also strictly banned.
Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and the Information Technology Act 2000. Punishments could include fines and imprisonment, with severe cases potentially attracting life sentences.
Group administrators and channel operators have been made accountable for ensuring such content is not circulated in their networks. Social media companies have also been directed to act swiftly on government takedown requests through the Sahyog platform. Failure to comply may lead to loss of legal protections under the IT Act.
To enforce the order, the Senior Superintendent of Police has been instructed to register cases against offenders without delay. A round the clock cyber monitoring system will be set up, along with dedicated monitoring teams at the sub divisional level under the supervision of local magistrates.