Arrests not the right way to quell rumours, says NHRC

“People have the fundamental right to express. And, whether it is (IPC section) 500 or 505, arrest may not be an answer. There are other avenues to check rumour-mongering,” he told reporters. He was addressing a press conference here to mark the foundation day of the National Human Rights Commission which was created in 1993. 

Soon after Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration, rumours have been running rife about her health on social networking sites like Facebook and WhatsApp. 

To scotch such rumours, the local police have formed a team comprising private cyber experts to keep a watch on those who spread false information about the health and warned of stern action against those involved in such acts.