The Supreme Court raised it's voice and expressed serious concern over running of fake news on social media platforms and web portals on Thursday.
The SC said that channels bearing communal tone may bring a bad name to the country with their wrong portrayal of incidents and happenings.
According to a report from the PTI, Chief Justice N V Ramana, judged a bench on Thursday and heard a batch of petitions including the one filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind seeking directions to the Centre to stop dissemination of "fake news" related to a religious gathering at the Markaz Nizamuddin and take strict action against those responsible for it.
"Everything shown in a section of private news channels bear a communal tone. Ultimately, this country is going to get a bad name. Did you ever attempt to regulate these private channels?" asked the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana.
The bench which also comprised justices Surya Kant and A S Bopanna said, social media only listens to "the powerful voices" and several things are written against judges, institutions without any accountability.
"There is no control over fake news and slandering in web portals and YouTube channels. If you go to YouTube, you will find how fake news is freely circulated and anyone can start a channel on YouTube," it further added.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear after six weeks the Centre's plea seeking transfer of petitions from various high courts to itself on the issue of newly-enacted IT rules meant to regulate online content including social media and web portals, stated PTI.