Odisha govt imposes 24-hour social media ban in Cuttack amid communal tension

The Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha government on Sunday announced a temporary ban on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), across several parts of Cuttack following clashes between two groups that led to incidents of violence in the city.

According to an official notification, the restrictions came into force from 7 pm on Sunday and will remain in place until 7 pm on Monday. Moreover, the ban covers the Cuttack Municipal Corporation area, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) region, and the 42 Mouza zone.

The notification stated that the decision was taken after the district administration raised concerns over the possible misuse of the internet and social media platforms to spread false, provocative, and inflammatory messages, which could escalate communal tension and disturb public order.

Moreover, the order invokes Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and directs a complete suspension of:

• Messaging and social media services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, and others.
  
• Mobile internet and data services of all telecom operators.
  
• Internet and data services of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
  
• Broadband, dial-up, and any other forms of online transmission.

The move was aimed at preventing the circulation of inflammatory and misleading content and restoring peace and harmony in the affected areas, said the memo.

Meanwhile, police and administrative officials were deployed across sensitive zones in Cuttack to maintain order.