Warning Of Legal Action Against Rumour-Makers About The Corona Vaccine
New Delhi, January 25, 2021: The central government has requested strict legal action against those spreading rumours about the Covid-19 vaccine. The Center has sent a letter in this regard to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories. The Corona vaccination program has been going on since January 16 in the country, however, it is not catching up to the expected pace as per the target. More than 1.6 million people have been vaccinated with Corona Vaccine so far in India.
Punitive action maybe taken against those spreading rumour: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written a letter in this regard to states and union territories last week. In this, states have been requested to take action people spreading the rumours under the provisions of Disaster Management Act and IPC. Bhalla asked the Chief Secretaries to instruct all concerned authorities under the state government to stop ‘misinformation’ about Covid-19 vaccines and take necessary measures to disseminate factual messages immediately.’
He said, “In addition, punitive action can be taken against the person or institution found involved in such activities under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Indian Penal Code, 1860”. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories also stressed that the country’s DCGI has found that both vaccines, ‘Covishield’ of the Serum Institute of India and ‘COVAXIN’ manufactured by Bharat Biotech Ltd., are safe and have disease-resistant potential.
The Home Secretary stated that action on such people is necessary to stop rumors and false news. Along with this, states have also been advised to disseminate reliable information on the basis of real facts.
Rumours being spread: After the corona vaccination drive was initiated, many rumors have been spread on social media regarding the death of certain people. These deaths have been found to not be related to the vaccination. These rumors include statements persuading about how people should avoid getting vaccinated and the fatal danger from it. Central government agencies have advised people to ignore such rumors. Awareness programs are also being run in many places to encourage vaccination.
PM Modi also appealed to the people: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also targeted people who spread lies about the Corona vaccine. The PM said that “I appeal to you to come forward and spread the correct information among the poor and common people about the Corona vaccine. Defeat every rumor system.”
The PM further said that “those who spread lies and rumors on the corona vaccination can be defeated through correct information. So all the people should provide the right information to such people. Scientists of the country made the vaccine of Covid-19 and fulfilled their duty.
However, lies are being spread regarding the vaccine. Such networks can be defeated only by giving the correct information.”
