CM Naidu Stresses Urgent Action Against Social Media Misuse, Calls for Stronger Laws

On Thursday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the pressing need to crack down on those misusing social media to post offensive remarks, particularly against women. Speaking at an event in Amaravati, where he inaugurated power substations worth Rs 742 crore, Naidu emphasized that strict legal measures must address such behavior.

Naidu pointed to recent offensive comments allegedly made by YSRC supporters targeting Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. He advocated for a review of national and international laws to help shape new legislation aimed at curbing online misconduct and protecting freedom of expression without allowing its abuse.

The Chief Minister expressed personal distress over derogatory remarks made about his wife in the Assembly, noting that it underscored the urgency for action. "It is our duty to protect the State from evildoers," he said, instructing law enforcement to act decisively against individuals spreading offensive content online.

Home Minister Anitha echoed Naidu's stance at a subsequent press conference, asserting that individuals posting objectionable content on social media would face arrest and stringent punishment. She also alleged that YSRC leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had established a "war room" to facilitate bail for such offenders.

High Court Advocate PVG Umesh Chandra, present at the event, acknowledged existing legal provisions under the IT Act and IPC to address cyber abuse but stressed the need for a more comprehensive framework to combat online hate and social media crimes effectively.