KOLKATA: Kolkata Police has decided to slap defamation cases against bus and truck owners if found displaying on their vehicles obscene or derogatory posters, messages or photographs that can hurt the sentiment of any sex, caste or creed. People have been asked to click photos of such derogatory messages and send them to the police for quick action.
After cops found two trucks with derogatory remarks against women on Sunday, they asked its drivers to cover them up.
"We might begin with motorists, but the law is applicable to all," said an additional CP. Open display of provocative statement could count as defamation in the eyes of the law and draw penalty, said a police official at Lalbazar.
A post by Kolkata Police on its Facebook page on its decision opened up a healthy debate. While some hailed police action, others questioned if something "offensive"' written on a T-shirt would legally qualify as defamatory. Police officials reacted by stating they will soon create more awareness on the issue.
The police post on Facebook stated: "The objectionable car sticker drew the attention of one of our colleagues when he came across it while on duty. To begin with, he felt there was malice and misogyny hidden behind the apparent fun made against women that stated snakes can be believed but not women."
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