Freedom of expression does not mean that the use of any type of language on social media has been licensed. -Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High court has directed the Central and State Government to take appropriate steps to prevent misuse of social media. The court said that doing so is necessary to maintain a healthy environment in the society. There is no doubt that in today era, social media is a global platform for the exchange of ideas,. It has become the most important means of exercising the right to freedom of expression but freedom of expression comes with responsibilities and duties. The order was given by

Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh while dismissing the petition filed by Niyaz Ahmed Khan resident of Sidharthnagar, accused of forwarding objectionable material on Facebook. The court said that what has become a trend now days is that people are venting their anger and frustration by making indecent remarks on respected people on social media. The court said that freedom of expression does not mean that anyone has got a licence to use any kind of language.

The petitioner is alleged have forwarded an edited fake photo of the Prime minister Narendra Modi shaking hands with international terrorist Hafiz Saeed, which was posted by a person named Anil Sharma. The accused also shared an objectionable picture of Prime minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah, in which the edited fake photo of both was inserted. this picture was posted on Facebook in the name of Akhilesh Yadav supporter and forwarded by the petitioner A matter was registered against the petitioner regarding this. After Investigation, the police filed a charge sheet against the petitioner. On which the magistrate court had summons to the petitioner by issuing summons. The summons order and charge sheet were challenged in the petition. After hearing the case, the High Court said that at this stage, the court has to see only whether there is prima facie appearance of cognizable offence or not.It can not be said from the charge sheet and FIR that cognizable offence has not been committed. The court rejected the petition and directed the central and state government to take effective steps to prevent misuse of social media.