The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a plea that sought a ban on social media usage for children between the age group of 14-18 years. The plea argued that after Covid-19, kids have become heavily dependent on social media, and in one click, they have everything at their disposal.
“…Entire world, Europe, Australia, China, Arab Countries, It’s completely banned except this country,” the counsel added while arguing for the petition, reported Live Law.
However, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai instantly rejected the same. While declining to hear the plea, he reminded the petitioner of what happened in Nepal.
“you know they tried to ban it Nepal, then what happened in Nepal,” the CJI said, and dismissed the plea.
What happened in Nepal?
In September, Nepal witnessed an outrageous protest spearheaded by Gen-Zs after then PM’s regime banned several social media websites including Facebook, Instagram and X among others. The violent protest led to 19 deaths, arson, and fall of the entire Nepali government.
Matters took a turn for the worse after dozens of student protesters were killed amid a clash with the police. Numerous lawmakers as well as former Nepali leaders were attacked as the angry demonstrations with roots in government ‘corruption’ continued for a second day.
Younger Nepalis have repeatedly accused the government of stifling free speech while failing to address deep-seated corruption — often using social media to make their point. The ‘Nepo kid’ trend emerged earlier this year as Nepali social media users highlighted the unfair gap in resources available to the ‘elites’. Countless posts across X, Reddit, Instagram and other platforms also highlighted the lavish lives of politicians and their families to underscore their point.
Multiple politicians across the spectrum were thrashed and their homes set on fire as the protests raged unabated on Tuesday. The home of ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and several of his predecessors were set on fire or pelted with stones. The wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal was killed after suffering severe burns and both former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife (the current Foreign Minister) were also assaulted.
Viral videos showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel being chased down the street by an angry mob — dragged around by his hands and legs by the group upon capture. Both Paudel and former minister Ek Nath Dhakal were also stripped and paraded by the protesters.
