The Andhra Pradesh High Court has drawn a sharp line between genuine government criticism and the misuse of social media for spreading hate and falsehoods. In a scathing judgment, the Court ruled that those exploiting online platforms to malign others cannot be called “activists.”
The case arose from a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting alleged arrests of self-proclaimed social media activists. However, the Court deemed the PIL frivolous, suggesting it was politically motivated. A ₹50,000 penalty was imposed on the petitioner, payable to the A.P. State Legal Services Authority for aiding children with visual or hearing impairments.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Ravi Cheemalapati, emphasized the growing problem of social media toxicity. “There is a clear distinction between constructive criticism of the government and online bullying. Social media does not grant immunity for defamation, vulgarity, or targeted attacks on individuals or families,” the judgment stated.
The Court noted the increasing misuse of online platforms to incite hatred and unrest, warning that such behavior often operates under orchestrated campaigns. These “guns for hire” must face legal consequences, it stressed.
The ruling further clarified that PILs are designed to protect the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged groups, not those well-equipped to voice opinions or defend themselves online. The petition, the Court concluded, misused the PIL mechanism for political gain, offering no merit or benefit to society.
In dismissing the case, the Court reiterated its commitment to holding social media offenders accountable, underscoring the vital difference between legitimate criticism and harmful misinformation.
