Supreme Court rejects plea seeking ban on viewing porn in public places
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL that sought directions to the Centre to create a framework to prohibit the viewing of pornography in
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL that sought directions to the Centre to create a framework to prohibit the viewing of pornography in public places. The court said the matter was a policy issue and asked the petitioner to approach the government authorities with a representation. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohna said the issue was important, but did not involve a question of law that required examination by the court. The plea had sought a national policy and an action plan to curb the viewing of pornography, especially by those who have not attained majority, and to prohibit the viewing of pornographic material in any form at public places.
Read Full Story The bench said, "Undoubtedly, the issue raised is of paramount importance. However, the subject matter does not involve a question of law requiring examination by this court. It concerns policy issues which need technological advancement and expert consideration. Such issues fall within the domain of experts, especially the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology." The top court was hearing the plea filed by social worker BL Jain, represented by advocate Varun Thakur. The petition said, "The internet pornography statistics show shocking data, wherein every second, 5,000 porn sites are watched.
More than 2 crore porn videos/porn clippings are being launched through the internet..." Referring to the law, the plea said, "Under Section 69 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the respondents have the power to issue directions for blocking public access of any information through any computer resource." It also contended that the widespread availability of the internet had made pornographic content easily accessible, leading to excessive consumption and addiction. Increasing consumption of such content has contributed to the commission of sexual offences, it claimed.
In its order, the Supreme Court declined to intervene and said the issue should be taken up with the government, while the plea argued for a national policy, an action plan and steps to stop the viewing of pornography in public places. Ends
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