Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief spokesperson Dr Dasoju Sravan on Saturday lashed out against the decision of the TRS Government, where people indulging in online abuse and using ‘harsh language’ can now be booked for criminal intimidation under Sections 506 and 507 of the Indian penal Code (IPC).
Additionally, such crimes will be considered as cognisable offences and will give the police a free hand to interrogate such persons without the court’s permission.
Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad on Saturday, Sravan said that the TRS has been trying to supersede the Constitution by taking away the fundamental rights granted to the people.
“Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has no authority to permit the police to book cases against those who level allegations against his government. In case the government intends to make any changes in the law, then he must do it through the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister wants to encroach upon the jurisdiction of courts by himself acting as the judge,” Sravan said.
“The decision can be misused by the party in power and those who criticise the government could be harassed using police force, in the name of an investigation. The decision is a direct attack on people's freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution,” he added.
Sravan pointed out that the KCR government had removed ‘Dharna Chowk’ in Hyderabad and stopped giving permission for any kind of protest in the state.
“The decision of the government is totally unconstitutional. KCR has been trying to influence the mainstream media against reporting the truth. The new decision on IPC 506 and 507 is now aimed at suppressing people's voice on social media,” the Congress leader alleged.
Sravan said that KCR, and his son and Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao were on top, in using abusive and unparliamentary language. He asked whether they were ready to face cases for their objectionable remarks.
“The state government should immediately withdraw its decision or else, the Congress party will approach the courts against it. A campaign will be run on social media against the TRS government's unconstitutional decision,” Sravan added.