A SLIP OF TOUNGUE ON SOCIAL MEDIA COULD LAND TO JAIL

A SLIP OF TOUNGUE ON SOCIAL MEDIA COULD LAND TO JAIL

21-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------The Bihar government has taken a major decision to crack down on offenses such as digital crimes, rising indecency on social media, and exam paper leaks. A total of 10 proposals—including amendments to the Bihar Crime Control Act (CCA) 2024—were approved during a state cabinet meeting held on Monday, presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The government states that the law has been made more effective in light of the changing nature of crime and the increasing use of digital platforms.

The government has clarified that individuals engaging in hate speech, verbal abuse, derogatory remarks, or trolling against others on internet media platforms will now face action under the CCA. Conviction in such cases could result in imprisonment ranging from six months to one year. The government has categorized such individuals as "anti-social elements" and mandated strict action against them.

The state government has also decided to bring cases involving competitive exam paper leaks under the ambit of the CCA. Individuals linked to paper-leak gangs will now face direct action under this law. Additionally, provisions for severe penalties have been introduced for cases involving economic offenses and cyber fraud.

According to the government, since the implementation of the Bihar Crime Control Act in 2024, there has been a rapid rise in digital service usage, cybercrime, paper leaks, and new forms of organized crime. Consequently, the Police Headquarters had proposed amendments to certain sections of the law, which have now been approved.

The government believes that the nature of crime is evolving due to rapid urbanization, the expansion of economic activities, the growing use of science and technology, and increasing reliance on digital platforms. The amended law will grant the police more effective and clearly defined legal powers to handle such cases.

The cabinet has also decided to repeal the 132-year-old prison law dating back to the British era. Under this move, 'The Prisons Act, 1900', 'The Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950', and 'The Prison Act, 1984' are being repealed, and the 'Bihar Prison and Correctional Services Bill, 2026' has been approved. The objective of the new reformative law is to modernize prison administration and strengthen the system for the rehabilitation and reform of prisoners.

The Cabinet has also approved a proposal to establish the Shaheed Jubba Sahni University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Muzaffarpur. The relevant bill for this purpose will be introduced in the Bihar Legislature. The government states that this initiative will promote architecture and technical education, while providing students with better opportunities for modern research and higher education.

The state cabinet has also approved the Bihar Engineering University (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Under this amendment, the Chancellor may permit the Vice-Chancellor to continue in office for up to three additional years beyond their initial three-year term, if deemed necessary; previously, this extension was limited to a maximum of one year.

The government has also decided to provide a 20 percent reservation for 'Agniveers'—upon completion of their service—in the direct recruitment of Forest Guards within the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This decision aims to provide better employment opportunities to Agniveers after their service tenure ends.

The government asserts that these decisions will further strengthen law and order and crime control in the state. Additionally, they will help effectively curb digital crimes, cyber fraud, paper leaks, and the rising incidence of abusive behavior on social media.