In the era of social media, deepfakes and AI, tampering with any person’s photo has become quite common. Every day while using mobile, we come across so many pictures which have been tampered with. But wait! Have you ever come across any such picture of the President or Prime Minister of India? Have you shared such a picture? If not, you are safe. But if you have ever tampered with the photo of the Prime Minister or President of India, or are thinking of doing so, then be careful.
A provision of law has been made in India to prevent tampering with national symbols, symbols and names. Although, this law is not so effective right now, but the Government of India is going to make such provisions in this law, which can cause trouble for you. Let us know what is the punishment for tampering with the photo of the Prime Minister or the President? And what is the rule in such a case.
What is the law?
To prevent improper use of national symbols, signs or names, the Emblem and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 has been enacted. Under this, there is a provision for punishment for tampering with the photograph of the Prime Minister or the President. Till now, there was a penalty of up to Rs 500 for tampering with the national flag, Ashok Chakra, official seal of Parliament and Supreme Court, photograph of the Prime Minister or President, photograph of Raj Bhavan or Rashtrapati Bhavan. In case of misuse of it, there was no provision for separate punishment for repeat mistake.
Tightened rules
According to reports, the Government of India has made changes in this law. Under this, if you are found misusing the photograph of the President or Prime Minister of India, you can be punished with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh or jail for up to six months or both. The Government of India has increased this fine by 1000 times. That is, there is a provision of a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for the first time for misuse of photographs of the PM or the President by private companies. If the mistake is repeated, a fine of Rs 5 lakh or jail up to six months can be imposed.
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