Freedom of speech not freedom to abuse: Pawan Kalyan slams attacks on daughters
A controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after a series of abusive and derogatory social media posts targeting the minor daughters of Deputy Chief Minister
A controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after a series of abusive and derogatory social media posts targeting the minor daughters of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan triggered widespread outrage and police action. The Jana Sena Party chief condemned the attacks, asserting that while criticism of governments is protected under the Constitution, abuse, threats and harassment are criminal offences. The controversy comes in the wake of a recent custodial death, following which several social media accounts allegedly began circulating hateful and defamatory posts directed not only at Pawan Kalyan but also at his minor daughters. Read Full Story Addressing the issue in a video message shared by the Jana Sena Party on X, Pawan Kalyan drew a clear distinction between the constitutional right to free speech and online abuse.
"Social media has become a powerful platform to express our views, raise public issues and hold governments accountable. Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution, and our government fully respects that right," he said. "Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to abuse. You have the right to criticise the government. You have the right to question us. You have the right to disagree with our decisions. This is democracy, and we welcome it. But abusing someone, issuing death threats, spreading false allegations, targeting women, insulting religious beliefs, attacking someone's dignity or provoking violence are not protected under the Constitution.
They are criminal offences," he said. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern over what he described as the increasing misuse of anonymous social media accounts to spread abusive content. "People are hiding behind fake accounts to spread filthy language, personal abuse, character assassination, false propaganda, fake allegations without evidence, morphed content, death threats and organised harassment. Women are being targeted with unacceptable abuse. Even our gods and goddesses are being insulted with malicious intent," he said. POLICE TAKES ACTION Police have registered multiple cases against individuals from Pithapuram and Eluru over abusive content. Authorities said investigations are underway to identify those operating the social media accounts involved, with further legal action expected based on the findings.
In one of the cases, social media activist Prashna Ravan was arrested in connection with alleged derogatory remarks against Pawan Kalyan. Although a local court in Pithapuram granted him bail, he was immediately taken back into police custody in connection with another case registered earlier at the Sarpavaram police station in Kakinada district, police officials said. Ends
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