Ramban Administration Issues Strict Order to Curb Misuse of Social Media, Enforces Tight Regulations on Online Content
Ban on communal, fake and inflammatory content; administration warns strict action under BNSS, IT Act and BNS provisions
Ramban, Apr 18 (KNC): District Magistrate Ramban has issued a comprehensive and stringent order aimed at preventing the misuse of social media platforms for spreading communal hatred, false narratives, provocative material and other unlawful content that could disturb public order and communal harmony in the district.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Mohammad Alyas Khan, JKAS as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, comes in view of rising concerns over the circulation of inflammatory and misleading content on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and Telegram, which authorities said has the potential to trigger tension and disturb peace in sensitive areas.
The administration observed that District Ramban, being a region of profound religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity, requires heightened preventive measures to ensure that communal harmony, public safety and peaceful coexistence are not affected by digital misinformation or deliberate attempts to incite unrest.
Referring to constitutional safeguards and legal provisions, the order cites Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India, which permits reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in the interest of public order, sovereignty and integrity of the country. It also invokes Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, empowering authorities to block or restrict access to objectionable online content, along with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which allows preventive action to maintain law and order and prevent disturbance of public tranquility.
The order strictly prohibits posting, uploading, sharing or forwarding any content in any form—text, image, video, audio, meme or graphic—that promotes enmity, hatred or ill-will between communities on grounds of religion, caste, language, region or ethnicity. It further prohibits circulation of fake or fabricated information, morphed visuals, doctored videos or misleading narratives intended to provoke communal tension or violence.
It also bars the use of social media for issuing threats, calling for boycotts, mobilising unlawful gatherings or spreading speeches and content that hurt religious sentiments or incite sectarian divisions. The administration has warned that spreading rumours or unverified information related to law and order or communal incidents will also be treated as a punishable offence.
The order clearly states that administrators and moderators of WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages and other online forums will be jointly responsible for ensuring that no prohibited content is circulated through their platforms. Failure to take corrective action against such content will attract legal liability under applicable laws.
Citizens have been directed to verify any information before sharing it and rely only on official sources, particularly during sensitive situations. They have also been advised to immediately report any inflammatory or suspicious content to the nearest police station, cyber crime unit or designated helpline instead of forwarding it.
The administration has further cautioned that any attempt to spread separatist or anti-national content that could threaten the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India will invite strict legal action.
In addition, the order places responsibility on social media intermediaries to comply with takedown directions issued by competent authorities under Section 69A of the IT Act and the IT Rules, 2021. The administration stated that non-compliance may result in loss of safe-harbour protection and further legal proceedings.
For enforcement, the Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order, including prompt registration of FIRs against violators. The Cyber Crime Unit has been instructed to maintain 24×7 surveillance of online platforms to detect and report objectionable content in real time.
The order also mandates the formation of Special Social Media Monitoring Cells at the sub-divisional level under the supervision of respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates to ensure grassroots monitoring and compliance.
The directive shall remain in force for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance and will apply to all persons within the territorial jurisdiction of District Ramban, regardless of the location from which the content is posted, if it impacts or has the potential to impact public order in the district.
Officials said the move is part of preventive policing measures aimed at maintaining peace, harmony and stability in the region, especially in view of the increasing misuse of digital platforms for spreading misinformation and provoking communal sensitivities. (KNC)
About The Author
