Jammu, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to discuss the issue of defamatory materials being circulated on social media targeting legislators.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announced on Thursday that the Assembly will consider the growing prevalence of slanderous content against lawmakers on various social media platforms.

The topic was brought up during Question Hour, as multiple members voiced their concerns regarding online portals and social media accounts that are reportedly aiming at legislators with unsubstantiated and defamatory claims.

BJP MLA R.S. Pathania highlighted the issue, noting that certain portals have been disseminating defamatory content without facing any legal repercussions.

He urged the government to implement stricter measures to combat this trend. In response to these concerns, Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo stated that this issue should be addressed with the Information Department to monitor defamatory content, especially on platforms like Facebook.

In a written response to an inquiry by legislator R.S. Pathania, the Information Department revealed that a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell has been established in the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) for the real-time tracking of fake news.

“From April 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, twenty rebuttals have been issued through Press Releases and eight via social media handles of the DIPR, J&K,” the reply indicated.

However, the government clarified that the regulation of websites, digital platforms, including online news channels, and Fact Check Units falls outside the jurisdiction of the Information Department.

Additionally, the department does not recognize or sanction any private Fact-Checking Unit (FCU).

“Currently, the Information Department does not validate, grade, or audit private Fact Check Units,” the response noted.

The government is now proposing a regulatory framework for news media and social media in the draft New Media Policy-2026, which is presently in the inter-departmental consultation stage for finalization.

Taking serious note of the complaints, Speaker Rather mentioned that frequent representations have been made regarding such content and urged for the strengthening of the Enforcement Wing of the Information Department.

He emphasized that these issues must be addressed decisively. Sakina Itoo expressed that the situation is concerning for all members of the House, remarking that “fake media and Facebook media are spiraling out of control.”

She also observed that public representatives should maintain each other’s dignity. Several legislators from various parties called for a detailed discussion on the matter.

Minister Itoo assured that a meeting with the Information Department would be arranged to thoroughly investigate the issue.

MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi further alleged that certain social media portals were engaged in defamation and character assassination of political representatives.

Responding to demands from both sides of the House, the Speaker acknowledged the importance of the matter and stated it would be discussed during the ongoing session.

He requested members to submit written notices, indicating that a half-hour or one-hour discussion would be arranged. Later, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma objected to statements allegedly made by Panthers Party leader Harsh Dev Singh outside the Assembly complex.

Without directly naming him, Sharma claimed that a former three-time legislator had protested and made derogatory remarks about members of the House.

Sharma accused the individual of calling legislators “foolish” while facing multiple FIRs, deeming it an attempt to undermine the dignity of the Assembly.

BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia also called for action regarding the issue. The Speaker assured members that the situation would be investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken.