Petition filed before SC to put a halt to menace of fake news

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Central government to frame necessary guidelines for checking the spread of fake news by setting the accountability, liability and responsibility.

In a 127-page petition filed by Anuja Kapur, whose copy has been accessed by ANI, she has also sought a direction to the Centre to constitute a committee responsible for curbing the menace of fake news.

Anuja also claimed in her petition that there are no guidelines and punishments for those who are promoting fake-news. "There are no accountabilities, liabilities and responsibilities to restrict or counter restrict fake news by organizing press-conference or putting it on the concerned official website by various concerned authorities for the general public to access the authenticated news," Kapur claimed in her petition

The petitioner also sought a direction from the apex court to issue or lay certain guidelines to put a stop to fake news.

The petition also stated that the open-ended advancement of fake news on social media leads to crime against humanity and violates the fundamental rights of the citizens.

This matter is likely to come up for hearing within a week.