Cyberbullying – Pawan Kalyan Announces Complaint Cell and Special Task Force
Cyberbullying – Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has announced a new institutional mechanism to address cyberbullying, online abuse and targeted harassment in Andhra Pradesh. In a social media address on Wednesday evening, he said a dedicated complaint cell would be established at his camp office, supported by a Special Task Force to identify and take action against those responsible for abusive online activity.
Dedicated System for Digital Harassment Complaints
The proposed complaint cell will allow people facing online harassment to submit grievances directly to a specialised monitoring system. Complainants will be expected to provide supporting digital material, including screenshots, social media links and video clips, to help officials examine each case.
According to Pawan Kalyan, complaints found to be genuine will be reviewed promptly and referred to a proposed task force involving cybercrime investigators and legal enforcement agencies. The objective, he said, is to ensure that cases involving serious online abuse are pursued within a defined timeframe.
Government Draws Line Between Criticism and Abuse
The Deputy Chief Minister said the state government supports the constitutional right to freedom of expression and will continue to allow criticism, political disagreement, satire and fair public comment. However, he said these rights cannot be used as a cover for harassment or criminal conduct.
He drew attention to online activity carried out through anonymous or fake accounts, particularly content aimed at women, religious figures and individuals receiving threats. Such acts, he said, fall outside the scope of legitimate expression and may invite legal action.
“Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to abuse,” Pawan Kalyan said, adding that public debate should remain within the limits set by law and basic standards of decency.
Constitutional Limits on Online Speech
Referring to Article 19(2) of the Constitution, he noted that freedom of speech is subject to reasonable restrictions related to public order, morality, decency and defamation. He said online users also have a responsibility to avoid amplifying harmful material by liking, sharing or forwarding abusive and defamatory posts.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged social media users to play a role in reducing digital hostility by refusing to engage with content that targets people through personal attacks, threats or hate-filled language.
No Political or Social Shield for Offenders
Pawan Kalyan also cautioned against attempts to use caste, religion or political identity to defend people accused of online wrongdoing. He said criminal behaviour should not be linked to any community or political group and that those found guilty would not be allowed to avoid accountability through such arguments.
The statement comes amid growing concern over abusive social media campaigns, impersonation, threats and coordinated trolling, especially against women and public figures. The proposed system is expected to focus on evidence-based complaints and coordination between police and legal authorities.
Legal Action Under Existing and New Laws
The state plans to use provisions available under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000, to deal with cases of cyber-harassment and related offences.
Pawan Kalyan said the government is also prepared to consider a separate law aimed specifically at regulating serious social media abuse if existing provisions are found insufficient. He said the larger goal is to protect the dignity, safety and rights of citizens while preserving space for lawful public discussion.