Stating that obscene posts on social media should be restricted, the AP High Court, which heard the anticipatory bail petition of Sajjala Bhargava Reddy and YSRCP leaders in the matter of obscene posts, commented that they have crossed the line in the matter of posts.
It made it clear that it is not permissible to tarnish the reputation of individuals by saying that they are expressing their opinions freely. It ordered the police to inform about the steps taken to prevent the posts. Hearing petitions in the case of posting obscene posts on social media against the CM, Deputy CM, several ministers and their family members, the High Court commented that social media companies are ultimately benefiting from the comments made to take revenge on each other.
It stated that there is a need to curb obscene posts on social media and should not be allowed to post obscene posts on social media that damage the reputation of individuals because the law allows for free expression of opinions. It stated that photos are being morphed, and it is not possible to identify which ones are real? Which ones are fake? It stated that the police should also pay attention to deep fake photos.
It asked, have any instructions been given to social media companies to prevent obscene and objectionable posts and to remove those that have already been posted? It clarified that the details of the steps taken for that should be placed before the court. PP Lakshmi Nrayana, who argued on behalf of the police, said that the actions of the petitioners fall under organized crime.
He said that more than 400 people worked in the YSRCP social media office in Tadepalli to post false posts. It was reported that posts and photos received from the head office were posted in various groups and money was paid for it. He said that they posted every person and community they did not like without leaving out.
He reported that judges and even God were not left out. Moreover, he said that the petitioners were not illiterate, but well-educated. He said that in the case of a case registered under the SC and ST Atrocities Act, the accused cannot directly approach the High Court. He argued that under Section 14(A), they should first approach the SC and ST Special Court.