LI Network
Published on: 21 August 2023 at 18:05 IST
The Supreme Court has delivered a cautionary message to users of social media platforms, emphasizing the need for prudence in considering the impact and wide reach of their online interactions.
This statement arose during a hearing for a petition submitted by actor and former Tamil Nadu MLA S Ve Shekher. Shekher faces legal action for allegedly sharing a Facebook post in 2018 containing derogatory remarks aimed at women journalists.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and P K Mishra presided over the case. Shekher had filed the petition in response to the Madras High Court’s ruling on July 14, which had declined his plea to quash the criminal proceedings related to the controversial post.
The bench imparted its advice, stating, “If one uses social media, then he should be more careful about its impact and reach,” addressing the advocate representing Shekher.
The advocate representing Shekher argued that he had applied eye medication on the day of the incident, impairing his ability to read the post’s contents before sharing it.
The bench emphasized the necessity of vigilance while utilizing social media platforms, affirming that individuals choosing to engage on these platforms should be prepared to confront the potential consequences of their actions.
The Madras High Court order indicated that Shekher was accused of having “published/circulated an abusive, derogatory, and vulgar comment on his Facebook account” on April 19, 2018.
A complaint was lodged with the Chennai Commissioner of Police as a result. An FIR was registered, and private complaints against Shekher were filed in various regions of Tamil Nadu.
Shekher’s legal counsel argued before the high court that he had forwarded the message without being aware of its derogatory content. Upon realizing the message’s nature, he promptly removed it and issued an unconditional apology to the affected women journalists and the media.
The high court highlighted the offensive nature of the message in question, describing it as derogatory and degrading towards women journalists and the entire press community in Tamil Nadu.
It emphasized the swift dissemination power of social media messages and called for responsible behavior, particularly from individuals of stature.
