Manipur High Court Directs Central Government to Remove Viral Killing Video from Social Media Platforms
The Manipur High Court has issued a significant directive to central authorities, ordering immediate action to remove a viral video that purportedly shows the killing of a man by armed individuals in Manipur. This judicial intervention comes amid growing concerns about the video's potential to disrupt public order and incite further tensions in the region.
Court Order Issued in Response to State Government's Petition
On Friday, a single bench presided over by Justice Aribam Guneshwar Sharma delivered this directive in response to a writ petition filed by the Manipur government. The state government's petition specifically requested the removal of the video from all social media platforms, highlighting its disturbing content and widespread circulation.
The petition identified the victim as Mayanglangbam Rishikanta Singh, a member of the Meitei community from Kakching Khunou in Kakching district. It argued that the video's continued presence online poses a serious threat to public peace and stability in Manipur.
Legal Basis and Government Concerns
In its petition, the Manipur government emphasized that the video's circulation on social media is likely to disturb public order. This legal argument formed the cornerstone of their request for judicial intervention to compel action from central authorities and social media companies.
The state government specifically requested the court to direct several key entities, including:
- The Central government through the Department of Telecommunications
- The Director General (Cyber Laws and E-Security)
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Social media companies, particularly Meta platforms
Broader Implications for Social Media Regulation
This case represents a notable instance of judicial involvement in regulating online content in India. The High Court's directive underscores the legal mechanisms available to address content that threatens public safety and order, particularly in sensitive regions like Manipur.
The order highlights the collaborative role required between state governments, central authorities, and social media platforms in managing harmful digital content. It also raises important questions about balancing freedom of expression with the need to maintain public peace in volatile situations.
As digital platforms continue to play a significant role in information dissemination, this judicial action sets a precedent for how Indian courts might approach similar cases involving potentially inflammatory online material.
