Amid repeated instances of fake and fabricated messages being circulated to create tension among different sections of society, the District Magistrate, Jammu, on Friday imposed a 60-day curb on certain social media content to safeguard communal harmony in the region.
In a significant move to maintain public order, the District Magistrate has imposed restrictions on the posting and circulation of inflammatory and misleading content on social media platforms across the district for a period of 60 days.
As per an official order issued by District Magistrate Dr Rakesh Minhas, IAS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the decision has been taken in view of the increasing misuse of digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram for spreading provocative, false, and communally sensitive content.
The order strictly prohibits uploading, sharing, or forwarding any material—text, images, videos, or audio—that promotes enmity, hatred, or ill will among communities on the basis of religion, race, caste, language, or region. It also bans the dissemination of fake, fabricated, or misleading information, morphed visuals, out-of-context content, and any posts inciting violence, calling for boycotts, or targeting specific communities.
The administration has warned that violations will attract strict legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws, including the registration of FIRs.
Citizens have been advised not to forward unverified or sensitive content and to report such material to the police or cyber units immediately. Social media group administrators and intermediaries have also been made accountable for monitoring and reporting objectionable content on their platforms.
The order further directs the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, and the Cyber Crime Unit to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of online platforms. Special monitoring cells will also be set up at sub-divisional levels for effective enforcement.
The restrictions have come into force with immediate effect and will remain in place for 60 days, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.
“All residents of district Jammu are directed to immediately refrain from posting, sharing, or forwarding any content falling under the prohibited categories,” the order reads, adding, “Any person receiving inflammatory, communal, or inciting content on any messaging or social media platform shall not forward the same and shall promptly report it to the nearest police station, the Cyber Crime Unit, or through the designated helpline.”
The order clearly states that administrators and moderators of WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and other community forums operating within or targeting residents of district Jammu shall bear joint responsibility for ensuring that no prohibited content is circulated through their platforms.
“Failure to act on reported prohibited content shall attract liability under applicable law,” the order states.
“All persons are directed to verify information from official and credible sources before sharing any content relating to communal, religious, security, or public order matters,” the order further states.
The official social media handles of the district administration and police shall serve as the authoritative source during any sensitive situation.
“Any person with knowledge of individuals or groups planning to circulate inflammatory content to destabilise communal harmony is duty-bound to report the same to law enforcement authorities,” the order adds.
“No one shall disseminate information through electronic means or otherwise that has the tendency to evoke or incite separatist or secessionist sentiments or that endangers the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India,” the order concludes.
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