The Supreme Court of India has brought attention to the concerning issue of fake news circulating on social media platforms. A fabricated statement, falsely attributed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, advocating street protests against the government, has been shared widely. This misleading quote was accompanied by a file photograph of the CJI, further lending it an air of authenticity.
The post, which has gained traction on social media, displayed CJI Chandrachud supposedly calling for citizens to take to the streets in protest against the Central government. The quote, while fictitious, 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.”
In response to this disinformation, the Supreme Court’s Public Relations Office (PRO) issued a press note denouncing the fake news and clarifying that no such statement had been issued by the Chief Justice of India nor had he authorized any such post. The PRO categorically labeled the circulated post as “fake” and “ill-intended.”
The PRO also highlighted the fact that the fabricated social media post had employed a file photograph of the CJI, adding an element of deception to the falsehood. The Supreme Court emphasized that appropriate action was being taken in response to this issue and that law enforcement authorities were involved in addressing the dissemination of false information.
The circulation of fake news has become a significant concern globally, with its potential to mislead the public, influence opinions, and cause societal unrest. The Supreme Court’s response reflects the gravity of the situation, as the spread of misinformation can erode trust in institutions and have far-reaching consequences.
In a world increasingly reliant on social media for information dissemination, combating fake news has become a priority to maintain the accuracy and integrity of information shared online. The case of false attribution of statements to the Chief Justice of India underscores the need for vigilance and responsible sharing of information on digital platforms.
