On April 28, 2021, a petition was filed in the Allahabad Court seeking protection from the state government for threatening Covid-hit families for asking for oxygen and other resources through social media, and those assisting them.
Firstly, during this period, a person is not in a condition to tolerate any more pain and suffering. Secondly, social media is an important tool that is helping us battle the pandemic. The petition was filed by a social activist as soon as he witnessed the arrest of people on charges of carrying oxygen and necessary medicines without a genuine reason. The petition mentioned that arresting those seeking help on social media is a misuse of power to hide the imperfections of the State.
On the other hand, the Uttar Pradesh government, which claims to have no oxygen shortage, was arresting people and said that they were “spreading rumors about scarcities.” Moreover, the Supreme Court, in its judgement, informed all government officials that any suppression of information or harassment of those sharing it on social media will lead to strict action by the Court.
In these difficult times, when people are trying to keep their calm and survive the healthcare crisis, the government should not create havoc for them. Most importantly, clamping down on information would not decrease the death toll. The governments should work on eliminating these imperfections rather than hiding them.