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process. It is therefore not possible for us to overlook this
menace of fake news either by electronic, print or social media.
Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides for
punishment to a person who makes or circulates a false alarm or
warning as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to
panic. Such person shall be punished with imprisonment which may
extend to one year or with fine.
Disobedience to an order promulgated by a public servant would
result in punishment under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. An
advisory which is in the nature of an order made by the public
authority attracts section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
We
trust
and
expect
that
all
concerned
viz.,
State
Governments, Public Authorities and Citizens of this country will
faithfully comply with the directives, advisories and orders issued
by the Union of India in letter and spirit in the interest of
public safety.
In
particular,
we
expect
the
Media
(print,
electronic
or
social) to maintain a strong sense of responsibility and ensure
that unverified news capable of causing panic is not disseminated.
A daily bulletin by the Government of India through all media
avenues including social media and forums to clear the doubts of
people
would
be
made
active
within
a
period
submitted by the Solicitor General of India.
of
24
hours
as
We do not intend to
interfere with the free discussion about the pandemic, but direct
the media refer to and publish the official version about the
developments.