It seems filing frivolous FIRs against Facebook is the favourite pastime of the people of Uttar Pradesh. Not long after the last FIR from Lucknow against Facebook for an anti-Gandhi group, comes another one aimed at the social networking website; this time for "instigating communal passions" and denigrating Indian gods.
"EVERY HINDU MUST SHARE THIS POST ON HIS/HER PROFILE"
An FIR was filed in Meerut against the social networking website by a social activist alleging that a Facebook profile lampoons Indian gods with an image
The FIR cites section 66 A of the Information Technology Act 2000, and expresses fears about the profile causing riots all over India. The creator of the profile has reportedly said that the profile will not be taken down unless similar profiles parodying Islam are taken down. Well, it looks like we have a Mexican standoff between religious fanboys over here. Even if this does lead to rioting, this won't be the first time Facebook has achieved the feat.
The very anonymity and freedom of speech provided by the Internet makes such pages inevitable. It's therefore wiser not to feed the trolls, instead of taxing our already strained resources on wild goose chases. Facebook too isn't too eager to please our conservative Indian sensibilities, especially because the western civilisation is rooted deeply in their respect for freedom of speech; even when it comes to lampooning religion.
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