Twenty-two-year old Rahul Krishnakumar Vaid was arrested by the cyber crime cell of Pune police last Friday from Gurgaon in Haryana for posting vulgar content about Congress president Sonia Gandhi on social networking site Orkut.
Vaid had posted the content an Orkut community titled ‘I hate Sonia Gandhi’. He has now been charged under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to printing of obscene content, and Section 67 of the IT Act relating to publishing of obscene information in electronic form. Vaid could face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
The arrest follows a complaint by a Congress worker in Pune, who saw the comments on the website. The police are now looking for everyone who has posted anything obscene about the Congress leader.
Google, the owner of Orkut was asked to divulge details about Vaid and it obliged. In a statement, Google says, “In compliance with valid Indian legal process, we provided Indian law enforcement authorities with the IP address information they requested in this case.”
Guys !! This is an interesting topic for all of us. I guess most of us are on social networking sites like Orkut. This could happen to any of us. What do you think of this incident? And how justifiable is Google in sharing privacy information with the Police? Please share your thoughts.
I hate President Bush….does that mean the US govt. will arrest me for posting this type of obscene content. people who can’t take criticism shouldn’t be in politics. They actually expect the whole nation to say Jai Hind to every politician in India. Either they are misusing the penal code in exaggeration or it shows that a lot of work should be done on our constitution. No freedom of speech there…
Greetings to Venkat.
Venkat, I do understand your concern. And I agree with you if you say we’re being deprived of our freedon of expression, speech. But, being a proud citizen of the Largest Democracy, freedom of speech does ‘not’ mean I can say just about ‘anything’ I want to. Mr. Vaid, has not only criticized or spoken against Sonia Gandhi, he also created a Hater’s community and verbally abused her on the internet.
I would certainly understand his point of view, too. But spreading hatred and building it up on social networking communities appears to be hypocritical, doesn’t it? Obviously the network wouldn’t be “Social” anymore, we should better name it ‘ani-social’ community, or should we?
Also, by doing that, he is potentially putting himself at risk. There’s no ‘action’, I can say a million words against Terrorism and I can even ‘hate’ it and so can everyone. But what’s the whole point when there’s nothing being done to get rid of it?
By expressing my views, if I’ve offended you or hurt your views, I do apologize. It was not my intent
-Jai Hind
Also, I believe Google shares a sense of responsibility too. It should have a ‘filter’. We do see hundreds of communities like “We Hate India”, “We Hate Pakistan”, “We Hate Hindus” and “We Hate Muslims”…
Since Sonia Gandhi is one important person in the Indian Politics, ‘people’ have acted and filed a case against Mr. Vaid. What about all these people who’re spreading hatred against a whole community, a whole Nation? Does it not matter? Is it ‘okay’ to ‘Hate’ Our very own Neighbours and spread hatred among our own Brothers?
Think.
i support venket, He is right.
I agree with Venkat and also with Nandoo too. We do have freedom of speech but it again depends upon us how well we can make use out of it, by not harming the society but in doing well. This issue has come up with some political intensions which as usual the common man is not aware of. So instead of blaming the Congress party its better we learn something out of it for our future well being.
i scicerely feel for the injustic done to rahul krishna kumar,
I agree with Nandoo, i think Indian Govt is only concerned with Sonia Gandhi but they forgot that they are Indian citizen first, after so many request to Google to shut down the Groups like ‘We Hate India’,no body was concerned about that issue and I dont think Indian Govt felt any pinch about that issue.Where is India heading towards?
they are trying to make it a political issue and gain sympathy as its nearing elections… i dont blame anyone in this… POLITICS POLITICS POLITICS……
There is no concept of privacy in India. I am totally disappointed with Google - Google shouldn’t have provided privacy information to the Govt first. Google should realize that they are indirectly spreading fear among its users. People think twice before getting into Orkut now. Atleast I do ..
I think our country is no different to China. No freedom of speech !!! WTF ..
i support venkat
i dont understand this what is obscene?as far as i am concerned with people like M.F Hussain … he should have been arrested long way back … fuckin bastards like that get away….
India is a Democratic Country.In the fundamental rights one of the rights is Freedom to Speech.Everyone has freedom to say anything.Arresting someone for this is really bad.Grow up Indian Politicians.
it is totally political propaganda… when you give speech against Sonia in public place or in television then it is okey . one who did the same in internet then you started blaming him . if this thing would have done by politically influenced person then no one could point him out ….
we can not do anything to this dirty politics ………….
Coming from a land which had a great leader like Mahatma Gandhi who was such an inspiration in his methods of facing opposition, its so pathetic that India, a great nation of diverse cultures and traditions has stooped to calling people in the obscene language of the ‘foreigners’!!!!Talk of foreign people!!! I am sure the Mahatma would turn cold in the grave to see the ‘educated-in-English’ being so educated about criticism.
Nandoo raises some excellent points. Guys, its ok to say what you want but its definitely not okay to verbally abuse someone. The guy who created the community used words like, B****, W****, F**** to describe sonia, how justified is that. If you have a problem with her policies, jus debate them. Thats being reasonable and sane. What is the use of using abusive words like that. Moreover, we Indians pride ourselves for our culture of respecting and idolizing women. Is this the picture we want the west to see of us? We forget that many times what we say on the web reflects not only on us as individuals, but also as a community and a nation. Please dont support any such nonsensical groups that dont serve any purpose except for spreading hatred. We, the current generation, are endowed with opportunities and information as never before. Lets use it to build strong nation and demonstrate the greatness of India to the rest of the world. Not make ourselves fools in front of the whole world. Remember, everyone has a right to hate something or someone. But also remember that this hatred must not consume ones humanity…look what the terrorists are doing to the world with their hatred. We are a country of love and non-violence. In the middle of Industrial revolution, nuclear powers, and wars, a petite Indian, Gandhi, won his war without any weapons and inspired people around the world like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
Krishna Sarita,
I do appreciate the points You’ve come up with. And agree with them.
And to other friends who ‘might’ have mistook me, No, I’m not a supporter of Congress or even the particular case. I am looking at the issue at a larger perspective. To an extent, I sure do agree what Mr. Vaid is having to go through is unfair. But at the same I do want us all to think and realise the importance of ‘proper communication’. And I would still stick to my view - Spreading Hatred doesn’t get us anywhere.
I would like to mention a quote made by my dearest friend once, “You can talk the talk, but can You walk the walk?” It might sound confusing, but give it a thought and it carries a Lot of sense.
Peace
In my honest opinion, Venkat, Nandoo and Krishna Sarita all three are right in there own place.
Venkat is right when he/she says that this is totally unfair because it compromises with our freedom of speech.
Nandoo and KS (I think I can call you that? if not then sorry) both raise some excellent points on the other side, freedom of speech doesn’t mean that a person can use cheap and vulgar language to insult a political leader and hurt the opinions or views of some of her followers. This is something totally uncalled for.
Right now, Indian generation that is exposed to the Internet and Social Networking sites like Orkut or Facebook are learning this vulgar language and using them more then actual “english”..most of them think it is cool to do so and don’t know where to draw the line.
When you address someone who is a role model to many or plays a big role in running the country or is just a leader then you have to show some respect.
Krishna Sarita is totally right when he/she says “just debate them.” Which is what Mr. Rahul Krishnakumar Vaid should have done.
Also, since India now is a emerging as a major economic player I sincerely believe that we need to sort out these differences amongst us and work towards creating a better nation. We are growing everywhere…in order to properly benefit from that growth we need to be united, we should respect each others opinions and debate them accordingly.
I also think that our national security is now being challenged by our neighbor China, which is said to be the world’s next superpower, if we cannot work as a nation and step up with other countries then I don’t think we can ever say “Jai Hind” again. Just my 2 cents on this topic.
Have a nice day guys!
The point raised by Nandoo seems to be quite genuine. I absolutely disagree with Venkat. Some poeple claimed that Indian Govt has reacted only because it’s against Sonia. People have some notions in their minds and try to make use the circumstances to relate their impressions to make some point.In this case, some congress activist lodged a complaint; noting to do with the Govt. Had someone complained against the postings titled ‘Hate India’, it might perhaps be handled as well by the police.
Talkin about fredom: Yes, we should have freedom to express our ideas, emotions, criticism etc but generally for a better cause. You can’t DEMAND for freedom to talk vulgerly about your neighbour. well, then, would you accept if someone demands freedom to abuse you? It’s just a common sense. Please note that I’m neither a congress activist nor any other political supporter.
hey…this is ridiculus…cant a person in india express his views abt others.there are many commuinties in orkut that which are non sence and senceless.even there r communites like i hate mahatma gandhi and ambekhar.why the ppl donn care abt this….sonia is a political leader at present,she is not an indian.in political meetings in front of many ppl political leaders use bloody lang abt opposition parties.why donnt they care abt dis.every one can express his views in his own way.
all ppl should fight against dis issue …injustice done to a normal guy rahul…
this is ridiculous. they don’t do any thing if we burn effigies, but if you hate some one they are going to arrest you and beat crap out of you…
“Freedom of speech”
what exactly does that mean,
Does it mean you could talk anything you want. I am sure you can, but just don’t expect that there wouldn’t be any kind of reaction. You are OK to talk about anything, anybody as long as you don’t compromise their feelings. If it hurts them, then its going overboard or taking advantage of your freedom.
Now that being said, Privacy is a big matter too.
Is it in Google’s right to share an individual’s information to a third party? I don’t know, but I thought it wasn’t until now.
Naveen made an excellent point about the effigies as well. Nandoo I agree with you too.
Why does everything have to be so diplomatic or hypocritical if I may say. If we don’t like a person, we have the right to say we don’t like the person, but to what extent? You may not the person, just don’t assume or try and enforce it on others.
I personally think this whole issue has gone way overboard and people should learn to get over these issues. Theres way too many issues out there that need as much attention if not more.
Thanks
First of all, I like to commend everyone for bringing up such excellent arguments.
The issue is not just of Sonia Gandhi, it about the general way people like Rahul use internet to spread hatred against a particular invidual, community, religion, nation etc and the main drive behind them not adhering to any moral or ethical limits is the belief that they are not being monitored or WILL NEVER BE CAUGHT. I am sure if we meet Rahul in person, he will never use such language in front of real people while debating. I believe this incident is a “reality check” to such people who (mis)use internet to hide themselves while spreading hatred.
And as Pulkit says,(and yes pulkit, u can call me KS or jus Krishna), people are using filthy language in an effort to be “cool” or off-beat which I think is ridiculous. For me, it depicts a person who is illiterate (atleast in moral and social sense), immature and actually does not understand an issue completely and thereby lacks the credibility to carry on such a debate. well..about freedom of speech, “ur right to swing ur fist ends where my nose begins”.
Now, as some people pointed out, if we look at google’s modus operandi in this case, it does seem it crossed the line here by revoking the privacy of its user, but will a corporate giant jeapordise its credibility and business by rejecting to furnish details when it could face serious consequences like lawsuits. This should be a wakeup call for google to scrap all the other hate communities. People who are educated and have a well-balanced personality know pretty well that they can make a point extremely strongly even without using philandering language. If Rahul had not used the language that he did and actually debated the issue in a more mature way, I would definitely join others and rally against google for not adhering to the agreement.
If you want to start a hate group, please start– I hate corruption, I hate poverty, I hate exploitation, I hate abuse of women–groups. There are a million options to really use our time and education to make a difference. But remember, “WORDS DO HURT” often more than actions.
Even I hate sonia….so what google will do now….display all of the information of mine to the Indian government and the congress party…do what ever you want!!!!!!!! but let me tell you one thing this is not an offensive saying that I hate sonia Gandhi..this is what Freedom of speech mean,,and I hope this is still there in India which is a democratic country and every citizen has the right to express their opinion. Ofcourse, even I dont support using abusive words in a social network or community. There are lot of main issues to be solved in India rightnow…but congress leaders spent their time only for that guy who said “I HATE SONIA”. While many of the cases are pending in the court for years and are still in queue waiting for the decision of the court but this issue …as soon as it came to the court, keeping apart all of the cases the court has anounced the decision…and that to 5 years of imprisonment on this simple matter….REDICULOUS!!!!!! It is really annoying to even listen. Indian government should concentrate on many other things rather these kind of simple and nonsense things. I dont say ignore these issues but please concentrate on what you have to.
Our Indian constitution and law need reforms. A lot of amendments are pending and should be mandated. We are still following the law laid 60 years before. Very few things have been added but old law was never refreshed. Its lying with the dust piled up since 60 years and no politician cares to clean it up as it is quite flexible to them. Our law is so fucked up that any person with a history of 1 murder or 100 murders has the same max 14 years of imprisonment. Come on dumb lawmakers, wake up! Try to catch up the speed and make amendments that help common middle class people and not rich politicians.
I agree with Venkat and nandoo. How many times have we seen abusive words against India but nobody from the government took action…all of a sudden they want to support an individual who has political importance (for all wrong reasons maybe)…..WHY? Political parties have done enough harm by talking and not talking….time for the citizens of India to stand up and raise our voices.
That was a very interesting discussion there.
And for all the people that are angry, I would like to make one point clear, Me, Krishna Sarita or Pulkit or whoever else as supported us are “NOT” saying that Mr. Vaid’s case is fair.
But at the same time, we’re trying to make a point that the way he has chosen to express feelings is, like Krishna Sarita said, ‘immoral’ and ‘unethical’. And that, should be avoided.
We certainly are discussing about what India has to do and what the Nation needs. Well, here’s my answer:
“Mature Citizens”! Yes, Our country is … but “US”, it’s Citizens. Hope that made some sense there.
Peace
Hi,
Freedom of expression and speech is right of every one. The goverment is miss using it is power. I can say anything which is good, bad or ugly that is my right. If you want to read / listen you do or else just leave.
We are not asking them to go and read every single content on the web????????????
Here in US people say so many things they link president with sex. This is worst then using words and language to express your feelings.
First of all who is sonia ?????? She should not be part of the Indian politicals ??????????????????? She is not citizen of India by birth. She got no right to be there. Our own Indians(congress party) for their selfish sake gave her that position.
We have to first S…. of our people, since fault is with us.
Sunny
I pretty much agree with Nandoo. Proud to see one such Indian. “Freedom” of speech doesnt imply to talk nonsense. If they reacted just to Sonia’s case, it is ok, this might just be the start. They might start responding to all communities like “We hate Gandhi” and “We hate Ambedkar”. Or this will atleast stop all such people who have been posting such content from doing this anymore. Just think of yourself, how would it be for you if someone abuses you. No man is ideal.Man is born to sin!
Appreciate Google for taking the right step for better world!
Indian,I dont agree with you. If some one is saying about you does not mean that you are that right. If you want to read it read or else just ignore that.
People get hurt if they feel what some one said is right thats were they get angry and do foolish things like this.
I dont know what google did is right or wrong every one is being smart. I pit that person who got arrested. Most of the Indians are bloody corrupted and do anything for power and money and miss utilize the power.
Gandhi requested not to harm the person who killed him.
So we have freedom of saying anything about any one. It our right.
Sunny
To Nandoo, ( In response to comment#2)
“But spreading hatred and building it up on social networking communities appears to be hypocritical, doesn’t it? Obviously the network wouldn’t be “Social†anymore, we should better name it ‘ani-social’ community, or should we?”
Blogs are there to express one’s opinion and doesn’t give any direct invitations for support or ask for it. But if someone likes the idea they are free to respond to it. This is how a social networking site works. By hating one person doesn’t make oneslef atisocial or the rest who agree with the host. How about reporters and media who express these issues. So, the media is ani-social? As i’ve mentiioned before politicians are bound to critisism and in this case i can’t say it was done proffesionally. And how come they didn’t arrest the whole haters community. I’m just saying if thats the case then they should be arresting hundrerds here in US in the name of BUSH.
By the way, u don’t have to apologize,everyone is free to debate these issues.
guys, understand the problem. that guy was arrested not for hating Sonia but for using obscene language for her. He used words like B****, W**** etc. community still exists and even the owner of community was not arrested. Hope atleast after this people refrain using bad language in orkut.
how can one define bad language and bad persons? is it right if i use mother f****r to describe a terrorist. i think you will not have any objection to that and in fact you may want to use it yourself.then whats wrong with me using it towards another political person.? it is because you want me to use it against terrorists but not against persons you love. this is rubbing your ideology on me. this is infact curtailing freedom of speech. b****, w**** and the other term are routinely used in english language and they can not be taken literally. if one can’t take them literally where’s the point of slander?