translate : Malayalam
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the amendment to the police law was implemented with good intentions in the context of cyber violence against women. But government defenders and the public commented that it could be misused. The government cannot pretend not to see it. Following this, it was announced yesterday that the law will not be enforced. The Cabinet also met today and issued an ordinance to withdraw it, the Chief Minister said.
No Left government has ever taken a hostile stance towards the media which is hostile to the government. This government will not accept either. The situation for amending the law still exists. However, the government will no longer bring such a law through an ordinance. Instead, further steps will be taken only after a detailed discussion in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said at a press conference.
The cabinet, which met on October 22, recommended a controversial amendment giving the police too much power. Section 118A of the Police Act was added and came into force on November 21 with the signature of the Governor. However, the government surrendered within 48 hours of the protest and decided to withdraw.
The department provided for imprisonment for up to 3 years, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both, for those who fabricate, publish or disseminate any kind of counterfeit content intended to insult or defame individuals. The move was seen as a move to curb media freedom. Prashant Bhushan and others said that it was a carnage to curtail freedom of expression.
