Pawan Kalyan warns against social media misuse

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan has asserted that freedom of speech is a fundamental constitutional right but not an unrestricted one, warning that misuse of social media to spread abuse, threats, misinformation and hate will invite strict legal action.

In a detailed message posted on social media, Pawan said criticism of the government and public debate were essential pillars of democracy, but personal abuse, defamatory allegations without evidence, threats of violence and posts targeting women or religious sentiments could not be justified in the name of free speech.

Quoting Article 19(2) of the Constitution, the Deputy Chief Minister said freedom of expression is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of national security, public order, decency, morality and protection against defamation and incitement to crime. “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to abuse,” he remarked, adding that while the government welcomes criticism, it will not tolerate criminal misuse of digital platforms.

Pawan expressed concern over the increasing use of fake social media accounts to harass individuals, circulate morphed images, spread false propaganda and intimidate people through online threats. He particularly condemned abusive posts targeting women and deliberate insults against religious beliefs and deities, saying such actions were criminal offences rather than expressions of free speech.

Announcing new measures, the Deputy Chief Minister said a special grievance cell would be established in the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office to receive complaints related to social media harassment. Victims can submit complaints with digital evidence such as screenshots, links and videos, and each genuine complaint will be examined for legal action.

He further stated that the government was prepared to strengthen enforcement under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, besides considering new legislation and a dedicated task force to combat cyber abuse if required.

Appealing to citizens, Pawan urged people not to forward or promote fake, abusive or hate-filled content online. He said social media should remain a platform for constructive dialogue and democratic participation rather than harassment and division, stressing that responsible speech, mutual respect and accountability were essential for strengthening democracy.