MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar writes to PM Modi : urges him to immediately call for a cancellation of all matters pertaining to Section 66A
MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar writes to PM Modi : urges him to immediately call for a cancellation of all matters pertaining to Section 66A
New Delhi, 10th September 2016: Noting concern over latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau on the continuing arrests under the draconian Section 66A of the IT Act, Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to the Prime Minister today, urging him to “direct the Home Ministry and Law Ministry to immediately call for a cancellation of all matters pertaining to Section 66A, and ensure that the police forces and courts in all states/UTs are informed about the March 2015 Verdict of the Supreme Court”.
Chandrasekhar, who was amongst the petitioners that moved Court on the issue in 2013, noted that the arrests under Section 66A, which saw an increase despite the Apex Court’s verdict in March last year. He stated that this battle to uphold citizens’ Freedom of Expression on the internet was a “long and ardous fight” and that the near doubling of charge sheets under the section in 2015. He also noted that 575 people currently “languish in jail” after arrests that are “illegal and void”.
Calling attention to how these arrests were contrary to the Digital India vision, Chandrasekhar observed, “these illegal arrests are sending a completely contrary message to India’s citizens. If we are indeed serious about transforming India into a “Digitally Empowered Society and Knowledge Economy”, then our institutions and policies must back this intent by aligning to this goal. The current data, however, points to a disconnect between the verdict of the Apex Court, the police and the lower courts, and may give citizens the impression that this Government too, like the UPA, is keen on playing Big Brother.”
The full text of the letter can be accessed here: http://rajeev.in/rajeev_writes/Section_66A_IT_Act/Letter_to_Prime_Minister_Sep082016.pdf
