Social media users need to be more aware of its effects.
The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for social media users to be cautious regarding the influence and extent of their posts while dismissing a petition lodged by actor and former Tamil Nadu MLA S Ve Shekher. Shekher is currently facing legal proceedings for sharing a Facebook post in 2018 that allegedly contained derogatory remarks against women journalists.
A bench composed of Justices BR Gavai and PK Mishra was reviewing Shekher’s plea challenging the Madras High Court’s decision on July 14, which had rejected his request to have the criminal charges related to the post he shared dismissed.
The bench advised the advocate representing the petitioner that individuals who utilize social media must exercise greater care given its potential impact and reach. The lawyer argued that Shekher had applied eye medication on the day of the incident, which impeded his ability to read the content of the post he shared.
The Supreme Court underscored the need for caution when using social media and suggested that those who choose to use it must also be prepared to accept any consequences that may arise as a result.