Swarajya Logo
Swarajya Logo
Politics States Economy Society Business Culture Infra Defence World Books Ideas Science Technology Heritage Archives Legal Movies Sports
  • Our Views
    Politics States Economy Society Business Culture Infra Defence World Books Ideas Science Technology Heritage Archives Legal Movies Sports
  • Magazine
  • Store

About Swarajya

Swarajya is a publication by Kovai Media Private Limited.

Swarajya - a big tent for liberal right of centre discourse that reaches out, engages and caters to the new India.

editor@swarajyamag.com

Useful Links

  • About Us
  • Subscriptions Support
  • Editorial Philosophy
  • Press Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Code of Conduct
  • Plagiarism Policy
  • Refund & Cancellation Policy

Useful Links

  • About Us
  • Subscriptions Support
  • Editorial Philosophy
  • Press Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Code of Conduct
  • Plagiarism Policy
  • Refund & Cancellation Policy

Participate

  • Contact Us
  • Write for us
  • Style Guide
  • Jobs

Stay Connected

  • Artboard 2 Copy 6Created with Sketch.
    Artboard 2 Copy 10Created with Sketch.
    Artboard 2 Copy 7Created with Sketch.
    Artboard 2 Copy 9Created with Sketch.
  • Andriod Logo
  • IOS Logo

News Brief

Kerala Governor Clears Amendments To Police Act Initiated By State’s Communist Government; Experts Say It May Be Used Against Critics  

MR SubramaniMonday, November 23, 2020 10:36 am IST

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (PTI)

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (PTI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (PTI)
  • The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress, has expressed concerns that in the guise of fighting cybercrimes, the CPM government might arrest journalists who write reports critical of it.
  • Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has expressed shock over the ordinance, in particular, with provisions of imprisonment for violation of the law.
  • During the weekend, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan cleared the promulgation of an ordinance to amend the Police Act, 2011, “to prevent cyber attacks on women and children” by adding a clause Section 118-A.

    The ordinance, to be brought in the State by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, is being viewed as one that could curb the freedom of expression and has triggered a controversy.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who leads the LDF government on behalf of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), had tried to allay fears that the ordinance will be used against “free speech or impartial journalism”.

    The State had a duty to protect individuals' liberty and dignity, but no action will be taken against the media or critics who stay "within the limits of the Constitution", he said.

    Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has expressed shock over the ordinance, in particular, with provisions of imprisonment for violation of the law.

    “How will my friend (CPM general secretary) Sitaram Yechury and CPM defend these atrocious decisions?” Chidambaram wondered.

    The amendment to the Police Act through the ordinance is being vehemently opposed, particularly through social media, as it has provisions to imprison a person up to three years or impose fine of up to Rs 10,000 or both on those who produce, publish, or disseminate content through any means of communication to intimidate, insult or defame any person.

    A section of legal experts feels that provisions make it a person to be in trouble even in the case of “injury to the mind”.

    The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress, has expressed concerns that in the guise of fighting cybercrimes, the CPM government might arrest journalists who write reports critical of it.

    The UDF is of the view that there are adequate provisions in the Police Act to safeguard women and children.

    Some of the proposed provisions in the amendment cause concern. For example, anyone can file a case on the ground of safety to women and children and police themselves could suo motu register a case.

    The other major concern over the amendment is that it does not confine to social media alone and extends to mass media. This could mean any media outlet seen as opposing the government in power might face problems if a case is filed on grounds of harming “women and children's safety”.

    A law expert has said that Section 119 of the Police Act can actually be effective in ensuring the objective of “women and children's safety” as it encompasses “an affront to the dignity of women” and uses the word “propagate” through any media.

    Defending the government's move, state Law Minister A K Balan has said an effective and strong law was required and current provisions do not allow suo motu registering of a case against such violations.

    One of the arguments in favour of the amendment is that it is to prevent increase in the number of cyberattack cases against women and children.

    It has been necessitated after the Supreme Court struck down Section 66-A of the IT Act 2000 and Section 118 (d) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, on the grounds that it was against freedom of expression.

    The State government argues that the police have been unable to deal effectively with crimes committed through social media and hence the amendment had been proposed.

    Tags
    Section 66A
    Communist Government
    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
    Kerala LDF Government
    Kerala UDF Government
    Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
    Kerala Police Act, 2011
    Kerala Police Act Amendment 118-A
    Former Union Minister P Chidambaram

    Comments ↓

    An Appeal...


     

    Dear Reader,

     

    As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.

     

    Our business model is you and your subscription.  And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.

     

    We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.

     

    Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.

    Get Swarajya in your inbox.


    Magazine


    Swarajya Magazine Cover Image
    Merchandise

    Merchandise


      Politics

      Rahul Gandhi To Miss Parliament's Winter Session? Trips Planned To Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam: Report

      Rahul Gandhi To Miss Parliament's Winter Session? Trips Planned To Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam: Report

      Nishtha Anushree
      13h

      Tamil Nadu Dashboard: ED Summons To Dist Collectors Stayed By Madras HC; Senthil Balaji Refused Bail On Medical Grounds

      Swarajya Staff
      14h

      State Elections: 18 Per Cent Candidates Grapple With Criminal Cases, Maximum In CPI (M), BRS Next, Reveals Report

      Nayan Dwivedi
      15h

      Economy

      Automobile Retail Sales Hit Record 3.793 Million Units This Festive Season, Surging 19 Per Cent YoY: FADA Report

      Automobile Retail Sales Hit Record 3.793 Million Units This Festive Season, Surging 19 Per Cent YoY: FADA Report

      Nayan Dwivedi
      20h

      Public Sector Is Finally Beginning To Shine Under Modi's Ministrations

      R Jagannathan
      2d

      India's Divestment Struggles Continue As Government Falls Short Of Targeted Proceeds For Fifth Consecutive Year: Report

      Nayan Dwivedi
      5d

      Defence

      Indian Army To Upgrade Its Firepower With 200 Mounted Howitzers And 400 Towed Guns

      Indian Army To Upgrade Its Firepower With 200 Mounted Howitzers And 400 Towed Guns

      Swarajya Staff
      18h

      Islamabad, Ankara Work On Boosting Military Ties; Plan To Locally Manufacture Turkish Origin Anti-Tank Missiles In Pakistan

      Swarajya Staff
      2d

      Strengthening Capabilites In The Central Sector Opposite China, IAF Considers Acquiring Three Air Strips In Uttarakhand: CDS Anil Chauhan

      Swarajya Staff
      2d

      World

      Bangladesh: Why A Strong And Secular Opposition Is Necessary For Protection Of Hindus In That Country

      Bangladesh: Why A Strong And Secular Opposition Is Necessary For Protection Of Hindus In That Country

      Jaideep Mazumdar
      15h

      "Cheering Terrorism, Violence?": TIME Called Out For Playing Down SFJ Founder Pannun's Threat Against Air India

      Nishtha Anushree
      16h

      US Shares 'Legally Presentable' Intelligence, Canada Provides Mere 'Allegations' In Assassination Plots, Says Indian High Commissioner Verma

      Nayan Dwivedi
      20h

      Culture

      M P N Ponnusamy: A Nagaswara Legend Passes Away Almost Unsung

      M P N Ponnusamy: A Nagaswara Legend Passes Away Almost Unsung

      K Balakumar
      14h

      Streamlined Repatriation: India-US Deal To Fast-Track Return Of Stolen Antiquities

      Swarajya Staff
      2d

      Questioning Trend Of Weddings Abroad, PM Modi Bats For Local Weddings, Products To Boost Economy

      Swarajya News Staff
      3d
      States

      infrastructure


      Tushar Gupta
      1

      Border Roads Organisation (BRO): The Silent Force Behind The Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Operations

      5 Mins Read
      V Bhagya Subhashini
      2

      Explained: What Is Rat-Hole Mining — Vital Technique Used In Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Operation

      3 Mins Read
      V Bhagya Subhashini
      3

      Karnataka: Bengaluru's Rs 377 Crore World-Class Transformation Of Yeshwantpur Railway Station On Fast Track

      2 Mins Read
      V Bhagya Subhashini
      4

      Telangana Rapid Transit: Rs 55,400 Crore Project Aims 60-Minute Connectivity Between Hyderabad And Major Cities Of State

      2 Mins Read