article_snippet: Behind netizens’ arrests spurred by powerful politicians lurked a relatively young dark law: Section 66A of the Information Technology Act.
article_snippet: “Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, is hereby struck down in (IT entirety.
article_snippet: Section 66A, brought about by a defensive UPA which was increasingly getting cornered and badgered on the social media, surprisingly found a friend in the incumbent government, which defended it in Supreme Court.
article_snippet: It prescribed a three-year jail term for posts which are “grossly offensive” or had a “menacing character” or e-mails which caused “annoyance” or “inconvenience” to the recipient.
article_snippet: additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta said the law was meant to deter people from uploading grossly offensive material which can lead to lawlessness by inciting public anger and violence.
article_snippet: The section has a chilling effect on the freedom of speech and expression.
highlights_snippet: Section 66A of the Information Technology Act saw Indians arrested simply for sharing Indians views on Facebook and Twitter .
  