STRIKING DOWN SECTION 66A OF IT ACT - A LAW THAT HIT AT THE ROOT OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
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66A OF IT ACT, LIBERTY, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, STRIKING DOWNAbstract
In a major decision, the Supreme Court struck down Information Technology Act of 2000 section 66A. This section of the law said that those who uploaded offensive content to the internet could face jail time. This decision upheld the right to free expression. If you send disrespectful messages through a computer or other communication equipment, such as a cell phone or tablet, you face up to three years in prison and a fine, according to Section 66A. In recent years, authorities have frequently detained individuals for providing material through computer or communication device that was, among other things, highly unpleasant or harmful, or that caused annoyance, inconvenience, or obstruction. In a ruling authored by Justice R.F. Nariman on behalf of himself and Justice J. Chelameswar, the Court has ruled that Section 66A is not only imprecise and arbitrary, but it also infringes the right to free speech in an unjust manner.
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