Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah issues a warning of legal action against those disseminating fake news
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a warning that the government will take strong legal action against those spreading fake news.
While addressing the Press Day and award function of the district journalists’ association on Saturday, the CM cited an example of the harm caused by misinformation. He remarked, “During my speech in the assembly, I referenced former CM BS Yediyurappa’s comment, where he asked, ‘Do we have a printing machine to print currency to waive loans?’ However, a false message circulated on social media, misattributing this statement to me and incorrectly associating it with the state’s guarantee schemes.” He added, “This misinformation misled the public and caused damage—not only to me but to society as a whole.”
Simply having laws is insufficient, CM
Siddaramaiah emphasized that stringent laws have been enacted to penalize individuals who spread fake news.
“However, merely having laws is not sufficient to combat fake news. It is essential for society as a whole to speak out against it,” he added.
The CM also noted that his government has established special fact-check units in every district to address the spread of misinformation. “Freedom of expression is a core right conferred upon us by our Constitution… If the three branches of the Constitution are under threat, society itself will be at risk,” he declared.
