Cyber offences can attract Rs 1 cr fine, jail up to 7 years: Govt tells Assembly

Khanna said such cases are reported by district superintendents of police (DSP) and station house officers (SHO) to the cyber wing, including the DIG (cyber), through which the objectionable content can be swiftly taken down, even when the servers are located abroad. He said that in matters related to national security, the special secretary (home) has been authorised to take cognisance and initiate appropriate action. “Action is taken strictly in accordance with the nature of the complaint received,” Khanna said.

Intervening in the discussion, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana said the issue is of great importance, particularly for those in public and political life, who are often affected by misinformation and abusive online comments.

Mahana urged the government to consider a strong policy framework so that exemplary punishment is awarded in proven cases.

“Until strict punishment is meted out to a few people, the message will not go out,” Mahana said, adding that while everyone has the right to express views, the spread of false information, obscene language and objectionable content on social media is unfortunate and needs to be curbed effectively.

Khanna said the government has strengthened cyber policing across the state, asserting that earlier only two police stations in Lucknow and Noida, handled cybercrime cases, while now cyber facilities are available in every district and police station. He said 84,705 personnel have been trained so far, and more than 65,000 awareness camps have been organised at the police station level.