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Business News/ News / India/  SC directs media to publish official version of developments related to Covid-19
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SC directs media to publish official version of developments related to Covid-19

The court order held that panic can severely affect mental health
  • The government in its report also submitted that any panic reaction by any section of the society based upon any fake or inaccurate reporting would not only be harmful for such situation but would harm the entire nation
  • (Photo: ANI)Premium
    (Photo: ANI)

    The Supreme court on Tuesday has given direction to media to publish the official government version about the development with respect to Covid-19.

    The order passed was by the division bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde , “we expect the Media (print, electronic or social) to maintain a strong sense of responsibility and ensure that unverified news capable of causing panic is not disseminated."

    Solicitor General Tushar Mehta held that the Central government will provide a daily bulletin through all media avenues including social media and forums to clear the doubts of people and this process would be made active within a period of 24 hours. The same was observed by the bench and mentioned in the order.

    The bench also comprising of Justice L Nageshwar Rao also held that the Apex court does not intend to interfere with the free discussion about the pandemic, but "directs the media refer to and publish the official version about the developments."

    This order has been passed to prevent fake news being circulated as it results in panic among the citizens. In a status report submitted by the Centre in the Apex court today the Government said that the present scenario of Covid-19 is an unprecedented situation and any deliberate or unintended fake or inaccurate reporting either in electronic, print, social media or web portals has a serious and inevitable potential of causing panic in large sections of the society.

    The court order held that panic can severely affect mental health. Considering the present situation, the court observed that the government is conscious of the importance of mental health and the need to calm down those who are in a state of panic.

    The government in its report also submitted that any panic reaction by any section of the society based upon any fake or inaccurate reporting would not only be harmful for such situation but would harm the entire nation.

    The top court also reiterated in its order the Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 which provides for punishment to a person who makes or circulates a false alarm or warning as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic. Such person shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to one year or with fine.

    The said order was passed by the Apex court during the hearing of the PIL seeking directions for the Government to take urgent steps to help the migrant workers amidst the rising cases of Covid-19.

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    Published: 31 Mar 2020, 11:28 PM IST
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