SC asks govt. to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media
The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows, after observing that social media influencers commercialize free speech and their comments can hurt sentiments in a diverse society. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the need for effective consequences for violations and a clear distinction between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech. The court was hearing a case against comedians for insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities, emphasizing that such acts "completely smashed" the constitutional objective of bringing disabled persons into the mainstream. The Attorney-General suggested sensitisation of social media users as a primary objective.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to formulate guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows and podcasts.
- Justices emphasized that commercialized free speech by influencers has the potential to hurt sentiments in India's diverse society, especially concerning disabled persons.
- The court highlighted the need for clear distinctions between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech, noting an overlap between commercial and prohibited speech.
- Guidelines should include specific and proportionate consequences for violations to ensure accountability and draw a line between free and hurtful speech.
- The case stemmed from insensitive jokes made by comedians about persons with disabilities, which the court viewed as undermining efforts to mainstream disabled individuals.
Exam Facts
- A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard the case.
- The Attorney-General R. Venkataramani appeared for the Centre.
- The court divided speech into free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech.
- The case against comedians, including Samay Raina, was listed for November.
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