The Jammu district administration has imposed a 60-day ban on posting and forwarding communal content on social media to maintain public order. District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The administration said the restriction targets content that promotes enmity between religious communities or creates divisions based on caste, language, race, or region. Officials described the move as a preventive step to curb misinformation and provocative posts that could trigger unrest.
Strict Monitoring and Legal Consequences
The ban applies to all types of digital content. This includes text, images, videos, audio, memes, and reels. It covers platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.
Officials have also banned the use of social media to mobilise mobs. Organising unlawful gatherings online is also prohibited. The order applies beyond Jammu as well. Authorities will act on content posted outside if it disturbs local peace.
Officials said the move will help control false and inflammatory content. Such content can trigger tensions and endanger lives. Authorities have set up a 24/7 cyber monitoring system. They will also create monitoring cells at the sub-divisional level.
Officials warned that violations will attract strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Offenders may face fines, imprisonment, and in severe cases, life sentences.
