After the countrywide uproar over the arrest of two girls in Maharashtra for allegedly posting offensive content online, nine MPs across party lines have demanded a discussion on the broader issue of freedom of speech, including Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
The group of MPs, led by BJD MP Jay Panda, have signed the demand and are waiting the support of all the MPs in the House to debate and amend the said section, which is frequently misused by the law-enforcement agencies. The MPs who have signed the demand include Congress MP Priya Dutt, NCP MP Supriya Sule and BJP MP Anurag Thakur.
“I am also moving a private member Bill specific to amending Section 66 A and hopes to find more voices in support. With the support of more MPs, we aim to put pressure on the government to amend the undemocratic law. I also want the House to have a broader discussion over the issue of freedom of speech,” Panda told the Express.
At least 35-40 MPs are expected to support his demand.