Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 20: The Office of the Tehsildar Pargwal has issued a show cause notice over the alleged circulation of a fabricated and defamatory news item in a WhatsApp group titled "J&K Police News Group".
According to the notice issued by the Executive Magistrate 1st Class, it was brought to the attention of the undersigned that a news item carrying the headline "Administrative Concerns Intensify in Pargwal Tehsil: Patwari Arrested, Questions Raised over Tehsildar's Continued Tenure" was circulated from a specific mobile number in the said group.
The notice states that the content falsely claimed that a Patwari of Tehsil Pargwal had been trapped or arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu, and allegedly cast unwarranted aspersions on the functioning and tenure of the Tehsildar. The allegations have been termed baseless and devoid of factual foundation.
It further mentions that the circulation of such content appears to be an attempt to malign public servants, mislead the public, undermine confidence in administration and cause public mischief.
The notice cites relevant provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including sections related to defamation, publishing false statements or rumours, and dissemination of false information likely to disturb public tranquillity, besides Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, subject to investigation.
The individual concerned has been directed to submit a written explanation within three days, disclose the source of the content, and appear in person before the undersigned on February 23, 2026 at 11:30 AM. It has been stated that failure to comply will result in further legal action as per law.
A copy of the notice has also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Jammu and the Sub Divisional Magistrate Khour for information. |
