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Supreme Court issues notice to states and union territories on scrapping section 66A of IT Act

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to all state governments and Union Territories (UTs) complaining that people were being booked under Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which was filed by the apex court. Canceled by. Justice R.F. Nariman and B.R. Gavai directed that notice be given to the Registrar General of all High Courts and the matter be listed for further hearing after 4 weeks.

The Center has told the top court that it is the primary duty of the states and union territories to stop registering cases under Section 66A of the IT Act as the provision was struck down by it. The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that it was shocking and disturbing that people were being booked under Section 66A, though the provision has been struck down.

During the hearing on Monday, the bench said that the judiciary aspect may be looked into separately, but there is also the police which is accusing people under this section. The bench said a proper order is needed as it cannot continue like this.

The Center in its affidavit had said, it has been submitted that police and public order are State subjects as per the Constitution.

According to the central government, 21 states and union territories have reported compliance with the 2015 decision in their letters to the Ministry of Information and Technology.