Uttarakhand High Court orders takedown of posts against woman lawyer who got acquittal for POCSO accused

The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday impressed upon various social media sites to take down provocative posts against a woman lawyer, whose clients were recently acquitted by Supreme Court in a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offices Act (POCSO Act).

The High Court earlier this week took suo motu cognizance of the social media posts after noting that one message clearly amounted to giving provocation to anybody to engage a hired killer. It was also found that some posts demeaned the Supreme Court decision.

One post said “shoot this one too, and along with it, ……., as well”

"In fact, one post reads “give betel nut to known people for such individuals” probably referring to the word “supari” which is the native term used for betel nut, and thereby," the Court noted in an order passed on September 23.

Following a court order, the State police asked the social media platforms like X to take down the posts.

During a hearing on September 25, the police informed a Division Bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay that two Personal Security Officers have been assigned for the protection of the woman lawyer.

The Court was also told that three primary posts were identified and that they have been reposted multiple times. It was also submitted that 10 other objectionable comments have been identified. The police further said instructions have been issued to the social media sites to take down the posts.

In the order, the Court expressed hope that the platforms like WhatsApp, Meta, Facebook and X would abide by the directions with the necessary urgency that the matter requires.

"The dignity of women, by itself, and in the context of our culture, is absolutely non-negotiable. We hope that the spirit, with which this order is made, and the legal compulsions are considered in right earnest, and action initiated with speed," the Court said.

The matter will be heard next on October 17.

Earlier, the Court had observed that the social media posts were not merely vituperative, intimidating and provocative "but, in fact, braying for the blood of the counsel, who rendered her professional duties."

It is most unfortunate that the social media platforms are a remit for the immature, the unreasonable and oral incontinence and is turning into a nasty circus, the Court said.

It also questioned how social media platforms were allowing such content.

"Some of the posts are so provocative and only God knows what an imbalanced mind would do after reading such posts."

[Read Order]