New Delhi: An observation of the Supreme Court which has come as morale booster to many who were seeking immediate medical assistance from authorities over social media for Covid infection, the highest judicial office of the country has asserted that seeking help through social media for Covid cannot be considered as wrong.
Going a step further, the SC cautioned the officials that they will be attracting contempt of court if they are restricting people for airing their grievances through social media platforms about Covid.
In his oral observation, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud of a three-judge bench said if the people share their grievances on social media, then it is not wrong thing to do.
The SC said that let this clear message reach to all the top police officials of the States, said a bench of Justice L. Nageshwara Rao and S. Ravindra Bhat.
The observation was made during the hearing of Suo Motu case related to Covid pandemic and pertaining issues.
It may be noted that Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh,Yogi Adityanath had not only announced that the State has no shortage of oxygen, but also had warned to booking such persons under NSA who spread ‘ rumors’.
It is reported that a young man of Amethi district was allegedly booked by police under various provisions of Indian Penal Code after he was found to be raising issue of oxygen for his grandfather on social media.
According to police, that post was only to play prank as the grandfather of the man was not in need of oxygen. The police later released him.
Meanwhile, UP CM had come under flack from various quarters for restricting people from raising issues related to Covid through social media.
Taking exception to such a restriction, an activist Saket Gokhale has also filed Public Interest Litigation before Allahabad High Court against UP CM’s order.
