In a concerning instance that underscores the dangers of misinformation, the Supreme Court of India has brought attention to a fabricated statement falsely attributed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. This concocted quote was circulated on social media platforms, accompanied by a file photograph of the CJI, advocating for street protests against what was termed a “dictatorial government.”
The press note issued by the Public Relations Office (PRO) of the Supreme Court unequivocally refuted the veracity of the post. The statement clarified that neither CJI Chandrachud nor any authorized representative of his had issued such a post. The PRO labeled the post as “fake” and “ill-intended,” indicating the potentially malicious nature of the misinformation being propagated.
The viral post featured a message allegedly from CJI Chandrachud, calling on citizens to unite and take to the streets to challenge the central government’s actions. It read, “We are trying our best to save the Constitution of India, democracy of India, but your cooperation is also very important for this, all the people should unite and come out on the streets and ask the government about their rights…this dictatorial government will scare people, threaten but you don’t have to be afraid, keep courage and ask the government to account. I am with you.”
Cognizant of the harm caused by such misleading information, the Supreme Court PRO promptly issued a statement to counteract the falsehood. The PRO explicitly stated, “It has come to the notice of the Supreme Court of India that a social media post [urging the public to protest against authorities] using a file photograph and falsely quoting the Chief Justice India is being circulated.” The PRO emphasized that no such statement was released by the Chief Justice of India, nor was any authorization given for such a post.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court PRO affirmed that appropriate action is being undertaken to address the dissemination of this falsified content. The statement conveyed that measures are being taken in collaboration with law enforcement authorities to address the issue in accordance with legal protocols.
This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and critical thinking when consuming information from social media platforms. It serves as a reminder of the potential harm that can arise from the spread of false news, particularly when attributed to authoritative figures. As society navigates the digital landscape, discernment and verification remain imperative to combat the dissemination of misinformation that can sow discord and confusion.
