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WhatsApp Forwarding Message: The state government cannot take any action against a person regarding political messages forwarded on WhatsApp group.

WhatsApp Forwarding Message: Tezzbuzz High Court has given big relief to a government employee regarding the instant messaging app WhatsApp. The court has said that the state government cannot take any action against a person regarding political messages forwarded on WhatsApp group. Let us tell you that a case was filed against a government employee of Alirajpur under Rule 3 of Civil Services Rules, 1965, in which he was accused of forwarding objectionable messages in the WhatsApp group. Many government employees were included in this group.

What was the matter: The person had told that his 6-year-old daughter was using his phone and unknowingly forwarded the message to the group. This happened by mistake and he also apologized for it. Regarding this matter, the court said that forwarding any message in WhatsApp group does not come under any provision of Rule 3(1)(i) and (iii) of 1965. If a WhatsApp group member forwards a message in the group, it does not mean that it is his personal opinion. Whatever message text, photo or video is sent in the WhatsApp group is limited to the members of the group only. In such a situation, it cannot be said that the message was made public.

The court has said that WhatsApp groups are created by friends and family members who are in the user’s contact list. No third person can be added to the group without permission. If a person does not want to remain in the group, he can exit or delete the group on his own. In this case, it is a personal group which has nothing to do with the government or office.

The government has not issued any such provision which states that a government employee cannot create a WhatsApp group or join any group. In such a situation, no action can be taken regarding this.

First Published : 07 March 2024, 02:54 PM IST