Delhi Police have launched a crackdown on social media posts containing abusive and derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi that were allegedly uploaded during the student protests at Jantar Mantar.
According to police officials, several posts featuring crude comments and abusive videos targeting the Prime Minister surfaced on social media during the protests and the subsequent violence in the national capital.
Officials said a special team has been monitoring social media platforms to identify such content. Notices are being issued to social media intermediaries, directing them to remove posts found to be in violation of applicable rules.
Several posts have already been taken down following police notices. Officials said they are maintaining close surveillance of online activity linked to the protests to identify additional objectionable content and ensure appropriate action is taken wherever necessary.
Police are also examining whether any of the posts violated existing laws or had the potential to disturb public order.
Under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the government can direct online platforms to block content considered a threat to public order, national security or the sovereignty and integrity of India. Police may also invoke relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) if any content is found to constitute offences such as defamation or incitement.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), turned violent on July 20 after police stopped protesters from marching towards Parliament. The clashes left several students and security personnel injured.
Although the agitation ended on Saturday following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Opposition parties continue to target the Centre over the alleged use of excessive force against student protesters, accusing the police of brutality during the crackdown.
