The Samajwadi Party MLA, Rais Shaikh, has moved a private member bill, seeking penal provisions on the lines of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to stop defamation of eminent personalities.
A bill moved by an individual elected representative is called a private member bill. The opposition uses it as a legal weapon to introduce reforms or press for certain demands.
Shaikh, who represents the Bhiwandi East seat, has named the proposal as the Maharashtra Defamation of Revered Leaders and Iconic Figures (Prevention and Punishment) Bill, 2024. It aims to control the increasing incidents of defamation and objectionable comments against religious leaders, historical figures and national icons. The bill will be vetted before allowing the legislator to introduce it in the house.
Outlining the objective behind the proposal, Shaikh said in the bill’s draft that the idea is to curb the rising trend of whipping up sentiments by posting derogatory content against eminent personalities on social media. Such incidents have often led to public unrest, social tensions and violent protests in some cases, Shaikh added.
He pointed out that the existing sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are inadequate for punishing such offences hence a MCOCA-like law will help deter such miscreants.
