Hate speech, objectionable statements banned in JK's Doda for two months

May 3, 2025 by News Desk

The administration in Jammu’s Doda district has imposed a ban on hate speech and objectionable public statements under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

According to the order, a copy of which lies with the Kashmir Bulletin (KB), the district administration has observed a surge in hate speeches, provocative remarks, and irresponsible statements on public forums and social media platforms by individuals, community representatives, and public figures.

These actions, the order states, have the potential to incite communal tensions, provoke violence, and disturb peace in the communally sensitive region of Doda.

The administration said that such behaviour not only threatens communal harmony but also hurts the sentiments of the families of martyrs and risks escalating into broader law and order issues.

The administration has also noted that some individuals have been organizing public meetings, rallies, and processions without prior permission, causing disruptions in daily life, traffic, and potentially leading to security breaches.

“No individual, digital platform, organization, or community representative shall deliver, publish, or circulate hate speech, objectionable remarks, or irresponsible statements in public places, print, electronic media, or social media,” it said, adding that no person or group shall engage in or encourage acts that incite violence, hatred, or enmity among communities, religious groups, or social segments through any form of communication.

The order aims to preserve communal harmony and ensure peace across the district.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been directed to ensure strict implementation of this order in both letter and spirit.

As individual service of the order is not feasible, it will be disseminated through print, electronic, and social media for the information of the general public. The order is being issued ex-parte.

It shall remain in effect for a period of two months from the date of issuance, unless revoked earlier(KB).