Amid mounting criticism from Congress, CPI(M) and social media users, the Cyber Police wing of the Kerala Police on Tuesday issued a formal notice to X Corp, seeking the removal of certain posts that allegedly tarnish the image of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and threaten communal harmony.
The notice, issued by Inspector Binoj S on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (Cyber Operations), stated that the content in question insults a national institution and has the potential to incite division and hostility among people.
“This is to bring to your urgent attention a matter of grave concern regarding an X post that blatantly insults the ECI and propagates content that undermines communal harmony,” the Cyber Police said in its communication to X Corp.
Issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, the notice refers to the circulation of a 2019 document that mistakenly carried the seal of a political party due to a “clerical error.” Authorities clarified that the error had already been corrected, but the continued sharing of the document is being used to spread misinformation and mislead the public.
Police warned that such content could undermine the integrity and transparency of the ECI and potentially lead to law and order issues. To prevent further escalation, media outlets and digital platforms have been directed to immediately remove the document and refrain from sharing it further.
The notice also cautioned X Corp that failure to comply could result in the loss of legal protection under the IT Act, making the platform liable for legal action. A list of specific posts has also been shared for urgent action.
The controversy stems from a document circulated by the ECI in 2019 to political parties in Kerala, which recently went viral after reportedly bearing the seal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to the issue, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar termed it a “clerical error” and said corrective measures had already been taken.
An Assistant Section Officer in the CEO’s office has been placed under suspension pending an inquiry into the lapse, officials added.
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