Leh Administration Bans Fake News on Social Media, Restores Mobile Internet Services

Leh, Oct 10: The Leh district administration has invoked legal provisions to curb the spread of misinformation on social media platforms in the wake of last month’s violence in the region.

Mobile internet services were restored in Leh on Thursday night after being suspended for over two weeks following the September 24 violence that left four people dead and several others injured.

Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk said the order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), will remain in effect for two months to ensure peace and public order.

“It has been observed that certain individuals or groups are spreading rumours and misinformation through social media platforms, which is likely to disturb law and order,” the DM said in the order.

The administration warned that anyone found creating, sharing, or forwarding fake news, rumours, or misleading information will face strict legal action under relevant laws.

Social media group administrators have been directed to monitor all content shared within their groups and delete any fake or inflammatory material. They have also been instructed to enable the “admin-only” messaging control feature in WhatsApp groups to prevent misuse.

“This order is issued ex-parte in the interest of public safety and to maintain public order,” Donk said.

Internet services had been suspended in Leh following violent clashes on September 24 that resulted in four deaths and injuries to several others.