Jammu, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed sharp concern across party lines over the circulation of defamatory content targeting legislators on social media platforms, with Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announcing a formal discussion on the issue during the ongoing session.
The matter surfaced during Question Hour when BJP MLA R.S. Pathania raised alarm over what he described as unchecked defamatory campaigns by certain online portals. He alleged that no effective action was being taken against those spreading misleading and damaging content against elected representatives.
Responding to the concern, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather acknowledged receiving frequent complaints from members regarding defamatory social media content. He directed the Government to activate the Enforcement Wing of the Information Department more rigorously.
“Frequent complaints are being received. The Enforcement Wing needs to be made more active. Such matters must be strictly tackled,” the Speaker said.
Senior leader Sakina Itoo termed the issue a serious concern for all legislators, stating that “fake media and Facebook media are beyond control.” She added that political representatives must also introspect, remarking, “We are ourselves responsible. We ourselves malign each other’s dignity.”
Several members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches demanded a structured debate on the issue. In response, the Speaker announced that the House would hold a dedicated discussion, asking members to submit written notices. “This is an extremely important issue. Demands are coming from both sides. We will hold a half-hour or one-hour discussion during this session,” he said.
The Minister concerned assured the House that a meeting would be convened with the Information Department to address the growing problem.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma raised a separate issue, alleging that a former legislator had staged a protest outside the Assembly complex and made derogatory remarks against sitting members, calling them “dimwits.” Without directly naming him, Sharma alleged that the individual was attempting to malign the dignity of the House despite facing multiple FIRs.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia also sought action in the matter.
The Speaker assured members that the complaint would be examined and appropriate action taken.
The Assembly is now set to witness a politically significant debate on the regulation of defamatory content and accountability in the digital space, as lawmakers seek safeguards against what they describe as a growing culture of online vilification.
