The Defamation Punjab 2024 bill was introduced in the Punjab Assembly by Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Punjab’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, marking a significant development.
The purpose of the proposed law is to stop fake news from spreading on print, digital, and social media channels.
The widespread problem of false information on websites like YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram is addressed by the bill. It goes after content that disturbs public space as well as news that intrudes on private lives.
To speed the handling of defamation claims, special tribunals will be established with a six-month resolution period.
A measure in the draft providing injured persons with compensation of Rs 3 million is one of its main features. The government would also grant access to a legal team to assist those pursue defamation claims.
