Thiruvananthapuram: The ordinance to amend the Kerala Police Act by incorporating Section 118 A has been notified by the State government. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had signed the ordinance approving the amendment, on Saturday, amid criticisms and nays from the opposition.
Kerala Police Act amendment is intended to prevent and deal with the cyber attacks including intimidation, bullying, defamation and other forms of harassment through online or social media platforms, especially those against women and children.
According to the Government notification issued, the amendment to the Police Act by incorporating Section 118 A is applicable to all media platforms and is not limited to social media.
The state cabinet had decided to bring out the ordinance in the wake of a scenario where the existing laws in the state were deemed insufficient for tackling cyber attacks.
However, there are allegations that notifying the amendment without making it clear might be detrimental to the practice of independent journalism.
As per this amendment, any kind of news or content produced or published on any means of communication media, which are intimidating or defamatory makes it a punishable offence stipulating imprisonment for five years and a fine of Rs 10,000 or both.
Under the amended act, anyone can file complaints against news or content published on any media platform. As it is said to be a nonbailable offence, the State Police have to record arrest based on a complaint received. However, critics say the lack of clarity in the clauses of the amendment would lead to its misuse.
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