The Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala has decided to put on hold the implementation of the controversial amendment to the state Police Act.
‘We are not intending to implement the amended Kerala Police Act.
A detailed discussion will be held in the state assembly in this regard and further steps will be taken after hearing views from various quarters,’ the Kerala Chief Minister said in a statement.
This comes after protests from the opposition parties who argued that the changes in the Kerala Police Act would amount to an assault on the freedom of speech and the media.
The government had introduced a section which stipulated either imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or both to those who produce, publish or disseminate content through any means of communication with an intention to intimidate, insult or defame any person through social media.
The ordinance had been promulgated by the Kerala governor on 21st of November, 2020.
Watch the full video to understand the controversy around the Kerala Police Act Amendment.
