Updated: November 23, 2020 1:30:09 pm
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (Archive)
Amid widespread criticism, The Government of Kerala decided on Monday not to implement the amendment Kerala Police Law demanding a jail sentence for any social media abuse or offensive cyber posting.
After the meeting of the CPI (M) secretary of state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the government does not want to implement the amended law, which has incorporated section 118 (A) into the Kerala Police Law.
“With the announcement of the amendment, different opinions have emerged from various quarters. Those who support the LDF, as well as those who defend the protection of democracy, have expressed concern about the amendment. In these circumstances, the government does not want to implement the amended law. Further action will be taken only after detailed debate in the State Assembly and after hearing the views of all parties, ”Vijayan said this morning.
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The change in the government’s position occurred after the intervention of the central leadership of the CPI (M). In addition, other left-wing parties, in particular the CPI, have also made a strong exception to the rule that is considered draconian ”. Earlier today, CPM Secretary General Sitaram Yechury told The Indian Express that the law would be reconsidered.
On Friday, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan approved the Kerala Police Ordinance (Amendment), 2020 incorporating a new Section, 118 (A), in the Kerala Police Law. Consequently, any person who creates or submits information that is offensive or that is intended to offend or threaten another person, through any means of communication, can face a prison term of three years or a fine of Rs 10,000 or both.
While the government has asserted that the amendment aims to control the misuse of social media targeting people, the opposition said it is “against freedom of the press” and “violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution “. The opposition leader in the Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala, accused the government of “trying to silence those who criticize them.” BJP state chairman K Surendran said the amendment was aimed at “silencing all political protests.” Chief Minister Vijayan described such “apprehensions” as “unfounded”.
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However, Kerala police took a note of caution, saying that before taking further action under the amendment, a standard operating procedure (SOP) would be prepared in consultation with legal experts to ensure that the ordinance is not misused de no way.
On Sunday, Vijayan had stated that the law would not be used against “free speech” or “impartial journalism.” Sources from Vijayan’s own party said that the clarification from the Chief Minister came after the intervention of the central leadership of the PCM. “There is considerable outrage … It becomes difficult to defend such an ordinance,” said a Politburo member.
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