Connect with us
Tuesday,15-July-2025
Breaking News

Maharashtra

IT Rules: Amended Rules Allowing Fact Check Unit Unconstitutional, Says Bombay High Court

Published

on

IT Rules: Amended Rules Allowing Fact Check Unit Unconstitutional, Says Bombay High Court

Mumbai, September 20: In a setback to the Centre, the Bombay High Court on Friday struck down the amendment to the  Information Technology Act which gave power to the Centre to set up a Fact Check Unit (FCU) to identify  fake, false or misleading content against the government on social media and online platforms, terming it as “unconstitutional”. 

Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the IT Rules amendment 2023 empowers the government to establish a Fact check Unit and unilaterally declare online content related to the government’s business on social media platforms as fake, false or misleading. The social media intermediary then either has to pull down the information or be ready to defend its actions in court, if the case so arises.

The matter was assigned to Justice AS Chandurkar as ‘tie-breaker judge’, after a division bench, in January, delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging the amended IT rules.

Justice Chandurkar held that the rules violated constitutional provisions. “I have considered the matter extensively. The impugned rules are violative of Article 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and 19(1)(g) (freedom and right to profession) of the Constitution of India,” he said. The expression “fake, false and misleading” in the Rules was “vague and hence wrong” in the absence of any definition, he added.

The matter will now be placed before the division bench to be decided. The judgement goes against the Centre, with two judges ruling against it. 

The HC was dealing with a batch of petitions, including by a stand-up artist Kunal Kamra, challenging the rules. 

The pleas against the Rules were referred to Justice Chandurkar after a bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale, on January 31, gave a split verdict. Justice Patel struck down the amended rule establishing FCU while Justice Gokhale ruled against the petitioners.

The Centre amended the IT Act last year which empowered the Central government to flag “fake, false and misleading” news pertaining to the government on social media through FCU.

Senior counsel Navroz Seervai, for Kamra, had argued that expressions “fake, false or misleading” are vague and undefined thus being susceptible to gross abuse and misuse. Similarly, the expression “business of the Central Government” has been stated in wide terms which would encompass each and every activity of the Central Government resulting in the Rule travelling beyond the empowering Section which is Section 87 of the Act of 2000.

Maharashtra

Senior Maharashtra Official and Former Minister Caught in Honey Trap: Complaint Filed but Investigation Still Incomplete

Published

on

Mumbai, October 1, 2023 – A sensational case of a honey trap involving a senior officer and former minister in Maharashtra has come to light, with allegations that they were ensnared by women. A complaint has been registered in this matter, but the status of the investigation remains unclear.

According to reports, the former minister and a senior government official are accused of being trapped by several women, leading to difficulties in both their personal and professional lives. Complainants allege that these officials were influenced by the allure of women, leading to the acquisition of sensitive information.

However, despite the case reaching the police, the pace of the investigation has been slow. Sources indicate that there has been no significant progress in the case, even after the identification of the officials, raising several questions. Many believe that political pressure could be a factor in slowing down the proceedings.

In this context, a local social activist stated that such cases should be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth. He also emphasized the need to hold those in power accountable in these matters to prevent future incidents of honey traps.

The city’s police have yet to issue any official statement on the matter. This incident has sparked a stir across Maharashtra and is reverberating in political circles as well.

Concerns are being raised that if a thorough investigation is not conducted, it could undermine the public’s trust in the government. More updates on this case are expected in the coming days as the police department takes concrete steps toward the investigation.

This incident in Maharashtra’s politics has not only sparked discussion about security but also highlighted the need for awareness about issues like honey traps.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

A Student Shows Bravery to Escape from an Auto Driver in Bhiwandi

Published

on

Bhiwandi: In the Fatima Nagar area, a tenth-grade student demonstrated her wit and courage by adopting a unique strategy to avoid impending danger. The incident occurred when the student took an auto rickshaw to go to school. To reach quickly, she got into the auto, but the driver picked up a friend along the way.

Before reaching the school, the auto driver unexpectedly changed the route, which was concerning for the girl. When she asked the driver to stop the auto, he ignored her request and continued driving in another direction.

Sensing the danger, the student took out a compass from her school bag and attacked the driver. As the driver’s speed slowed down, she took a brave step and jumped out of the auto to escape.

The student’s bravery not only saved her from danger but also proved how important determination and intelligence can be in times of crisis. This incident has compelled everyone to think about safety. The police are investigating the matter and are searching for the driver.

Continue Reading

Crime

‘Kicked, Punched’: Father-Son Duo Thrash Traffic Cops In Nallasopara After Being Asked For Driving Licence

Published

on

In a shocking incident on Monday morning, a father-son duo in Nallasopara East allegedly assaulted two traffic policemen in broad daylight after being stopped for driving without a valid license. The entire incident, which took place around 10 am near Sitara Bakery in Nagindas Pada, was caught on mobile cameras by bystanders.

According to the police, the boy was stopped during a routine check for not carrying a valid driver’s license. When questioned by constables Hanumant Sangle and Sheshnarayan Aathre, he reportedly called his father to the scene. The situation escalated quickly, with both the father and son allegedly verbally abusing and physically assaulting the two officers with kicks and fists.

The attackers have been identified as Mangesh Narkar and Parth Narkar, both residents of Nallasopara. Eyewitness footage shows the duo manhandling the police personnel in full public view, drawing strong reactions on social media.

The Tulinj Police are currently investigating the case. An FIR is expected to be registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault on public servants and obstruction of duty. Officials confirmed that a legal process is underway and the footage is being reviewed as part of the probe.

Continue Reading

Trending