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The Free Software Movement of India (FSMI) has asked the immediate withdrawal of an order issued by the District Magistrate of Indore (Madhya Pradesh) that seeks to ban social media criticism on demonetisation.
"It shows the desperation of the Central and the Madhya Pradesh governments that have failed in the elementary task of providing money to the people for conducting their day-to-day needs," FSMI has said in a statement.
"They are resorting to such draconian measures to stifle all legitimate criticism," the association said.
The District Magistrate issued an order on November 14, using the provisions of the Section 144, banning any criticism on social media such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp on exchange of old currency.
The order said those who publish “objectionable” posts or posts that "can cause incitement” would be punished.
The FSMI felt that this was a blanket ban on any criticism of the Government on its failure to provide sufficient new notes in exchange of old notes.
Instead of addressing the grievances, the governments are trying to stifle the voices, it pointed out.
"The use of Section 144 for censorship of social media also goes far beyond what the Supreme Court has held in its various judgments," he said.
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