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Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Table of Contents Introduction — purpose & scope Why legal awareness matters Rights & Duties — equal and reciprocal Role of Police — how to cooperate Everyday laws to keep handy How to use the law to protect yourself Conclusion Introduction — purpose & scope Peace4.in brings plain-English legal information to every person living in or visiting India. This pinned page is a gateway: it explains the site's purpose, how to navigate topic clusters, and how the law can be used to prevent harm and resolve disputes through recognised legal channels. We focus only on Indian legal context and practical steps. Our aim is to increase legal literacy, encourage lawful behaviour, and support peaceful, constructive resolution of conflicts. ↑ Back to top Why legal awareness matters Legal knowledge empowers you to avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and access remed...
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Cases Where Section 66A Was Wrongly Used After Being Struck Down

 

Cases Where Section 66A Was Wrongly Used After Being Struck Down

This following information is in reference to the post ; Why you should not publish derogatory content on social media in India  for more clarity on the contents of this page, we recommend that you check the post. 

1. PUCL v. Union of India (2021) – Supreme Court's Reprimand

In July 2021, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) filed a plea stating that FIRs under Section 66A were still being registered even though it had been declared unconstitutional in 2015.

Supreme Court’s Reaction:
The bench led by Justice Rohinton F. Nariman, who authored the original judgment in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, called it "a shocking state of affairs" and directed the government to issue advisories to stop this misuse.

 

2. NCRB Data (2015–2019)

As per data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

  • Over 1,300 cases were filed under Section 66A between 2015 and 2019, even though the law was struck down in 2015.
  • These include both new FIRs and chargesheets filed by police across multiple states.
  • Many victims, unaware of the illegality of such FIRs, suffered harassment, arrest, or unnecessary legal battles.

3. Manipur Case (2016)

A journalist in Manipur was arrested under Section 66A for a Facebook post criticizing the government. He was jailed for weeks before the error was noticed and the matter was dismissed.

4. Tamil Nadu – Youth Arrested in 2017

A 19-year-old from Chennai was arrested under Section 66A for sharing memes about a politician on WhatsApp. The Madras High Court later quashed the FIR, but not before public outrage and legal intervention.

5. Maharashtra – Aurangabad (2018)

A college student was booked under Section 66A for posting a comment on Facebook criticizing a local MLA. The police were unaware that the section was no longer valid. It was later withdrawn after media attention.

 

What to Do If You're Booked Under Section 66A

  1. Know your rights – Section 66A is not law anymore.
  2. Approach the Magistrate/Court and cite the Shreya Singhal judgment (2015).
  3. File a petition to quash the FIR under Article 226 of the Constitution in the High Court.
  4. Contact a cyber lawyer or legal aid authority for urgent help.
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Location: India