At a time when the entire country is worried about getting access to cash, post demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes, jokes and critical comments on social-media platforms have allowed some to vent out their frustrations, finding comedy in times of tragedy.

But the District Magistrate of Indore has issued an order warning that offenders would be subject to criminal prosecution if they post “objectionable” content on social-media networks, including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

The District Magistrate said in the order that creating any posts, sharing, forwarding or commenting on anything related to the exchange of old currency — in the form of an “objectionable or offensive” photo/picture — on social media, is restricted.

The magistrate has not defined what construes as “objectionable”, attracting the ire of internet activists.

The order has been issuedunder Section 144(2) of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and is applicable till January 12, 2017 .

The Internet Freedom Foundation, a non-profit organisation that advocates the rights of internet users in India, has sent a notice to the District Collector seeking withdrawal of the order.

‘Disproportionate action’

“The order has been issued to prevent rumours related to the demonetisation move, reasoning that such rumours may lead to a breach of peace and loss of property/life. Irrespective of the subject of censure, we are concerned with the legality and the scope of the power invoked, and the impact it has on Fundamental Rights guaranteed by our Constitution.

“This is an action that is disproportionate to the intended objective of maintaining of public order,” the Internet Freedom Foundation said.

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