NEW DELHI : The Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar while announcing the 2024 general election schedule for 543 Lok Sabha seats today addressed concerns about hate speeches and misinformation on social media platforms.
The Chief Election Commissioner issued a stern warning, urging political parties to ensure responsible behaviour on social media by verifying information before amplifying it. He emphasised that fake news would be dealt with severely under existing laws, citing Section 79(3)(B) of the IT Act, which empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content.
Addressing concerns about misinformation on social media platforms, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar issued a stern warning, urging political parties to ensure responsible behavior on social media by verifying information before amplifying it. He emphasized that fake news would be dealt with severely under existing laws, citing Section 79(3)(B) of the IT Act, which empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content.
Furthermore, Kumar emphasized the need for a campaign based on issues, stressing a zero-tolerance policy for hate speeches and speeches based on caste or religious lines. He also cautioned against personal attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum during the electoral process.
In an effort to curb the spread of misinformation, the commission has enlisted 2,100 advisors to monitor these issues closely, with strict action promised against any violations.
Additionally, voters above the age of 85 years and persons with disabilities, with at least 40 percent disability, will have the option to vote from home. Kumar revealed that approximately 82 lakh voters fall into this category.
The announcement of the election schedule follows the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, leaving the three-member Commission with only the Chief Election Commissioner. Subsequently, a committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, as Election Commissioners. They were sworn in the next day, completing the Commission’s roster. ( With Agency Inputs )