Supreme Court has passed a statement today, on 30th OfApril, saying no state can register any FIR or cases against people asking forhelp on social media. The states cannot take any coercive action against peopleputting out their grievances or seeking medical help on social media during thecoronavirus pandemic.
The bench included Justice LN Rao and Justice SR Bhat andwas led by Justice DY Chandrachud. Supreme Court said, “I flag this issue atthe outset…We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate theirgrievance on social media and the internet then it can’t be said it's wronginformation. We don’t want any clampdown on the information.”
Concerning the current situation, the bench stated thatit will treat any action against such information or any plead for help as acontempt of court. The decision comes after the UP government had reportedlyordered strict action against the people who are creating panic by making afalse appeal for help on social media amid covid surge.
But overruling this decision of the state government, the SCsaid, “Let a strong message got to all states and their DGPs …Clampdown oninformation is contrary to basic precepts.”
Last week the top court also ordered the Centralgovernment to provide a plan to deal with the pandemic and strategies to ensurethe supply of oxygen, vaccines, essentials drugs, and other related equipment.The court also asked the central government to give a plan to tackle lockdownif it is considering any.
Amid the covid19 crisis, where there is a scarcity ofoxygen, beds, and medical facilities people are turning to social media to seekhelp. Many celebrities and social media influencers have come forward to helpand are providing information regarding sources to get help.