Mumbai: A private member's bill that seeks to curb defamation of religious, historical, and national icons, was introduced in the Maharashtra Legislature Assembly on Friday.
The bill moved by Samajwadi Party Member of the Legislative Assembly, Rais Shaikh, prescribed strict punishment as a deterrent against communal disharmony over defamation of figures revered by different religious and ethnic groups. The bill features punishment on the lines of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for defamatory or objectionable comments.
Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Shaikh said, "In the three-four years, there has been an increase in incidents where individuals, through various social media platforms, have made defamatory or objectionable statements against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar and Prophet Mohammed S.A.W. These are the revered religious leaders, historical figures, and national icons. These incidents have often led to public unrest, social tensions, and, in some cases, violent protests. As a result, public peace is being disturbed, and social harmony is deteriorating day by day."
Shaikh further stated that the existing sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are inadequate for punishing such offenses. A similar bill was introduced during earlier sessions, but did not manage a passage through the legislative assembly.
