FB arrests: SC tells state explain

Describing the arrests of two women for a Facebook post as an "abuse" of the process of law, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Maharashtra government to explain the manner in which they were arrested and also sought to know what actions had been taken against the policemen involved in this episode.

A Bench led by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir issued a notice to the Maharashtra government and asked them to explain the questionable arrest of the two women.

Earlier, Attorney General G E Vahanvati, who appeared in court as sought by it, concurred with the Bench that the provision under the IT Act had been abused.

The Bench also issued notices to governments of West Bengal, Delhi and Puducherry after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for PIL petitioner Shreya Singhal, sought their impleadment as parties in the wake of similar incidents in these states.

The Bench asked the state governments to file its response within four weeks. The matter has been posted for six weeks later.

Another complaint from Palghar

THANE: In yet another case from Palghar town, the police have received a complaint about some "objectionable" matter relating to the late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray posted on a "fake" Facebook account of a local newspaper. Mohd Hussain Nadi Sarwar Khan (30), editor of Palghar Mirror, complained to police that a fake Facebook account had been opened in his newspaper's name. PTI

Sibal's website hacked

NEW DELHI: Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal's personal website has been hacked and defaced by groups alleging Internet censorship and curbs on free speech. The website 'www.kapilsibalmp.com' was on Thursday attacked and its contents altered. PTI

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