Video warning row at Jamshedpur traffic checkposts reaches legislative panel

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 20 : A controversy surrounding a “jail warning” over recording and sharing videos of traffic checkposts has escalated, with the matter now reaching the Jharkhand Assembly’s Committee on Subordinate Legislation.
BJP leader, former district spokesperson, and RTI activist Ankit Anand has formally written to the committee’s chairman, seeking a thorough investigation into the legality and constitutional validity of the alleged police directive.
Copies of the letter have also been emailed to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, DGP, and the district SSP.
The issue stems from a report published on April 20 quoting a traffic DSP, which suggested that individuals filming police checking points and sharing such videos on social media could face punitive action, including imprisonment.
Questioning the basis of such a warning, Anand has asked whether any such order has been duly notified by the state government and, if so, under which legal provisions.
He has also raised concerns over a possible violation of the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
In his submission, Anand has demanded clarity on the specific legal provisions—whether under the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, or any other relevant law—that would make such acts punishable.
He further questioned whether the directive falls under delegated legislation and if it has been properly placed before the assembly.
He has urged the committee to intervene and, if the order is found legally untenable, direct the state government and concerned authorities to immediately withdraw or clarify it, ensuring that citizens’ fundamental rights remain protected.