Bhubaneswar, 08 April (H.S.): The Odisha government is set to introduce a stringent legal framework to curb the use of obscene and abusive language on social media platforms, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced on Wednesday. He warned that strict action would be taken against individuals engaging in such behaviour online.

The proposed legislation will not be limited to digital platforms but will also cover the use of abusive language in public spaces, bringing such conduct under regulatory scrutiny. The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing misuse of language in both online and offline environments.

According to the minister, the Law Commission has already submitted a proposal, and the government is preparing to implement a Prevention of Hate Speech and Hate Crime Act to address the rising instances of offensive and derogatory expressions.

“Social media standards are declining, and people must maintain mutual respect, especially as users from all age groups access these platforms. The space is becoming increasingly toxic, with instances of indecent behaviour seen among both common users and those from political backgrounds,” Harichandan said.

Emphasising the need for timely intervention, he noted that the proposed law aims to ensure accountability and discipline in public discourse, particularly on social media. The minister added that the growing trend of abusive language reflects a concerning mindset and requires corrective measures at the earliest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda