FIR against Facebook

Facebook's long list of controversial groups just got an Indian update. Social activist Nutan Thakur filed an FIR against the social networking site and its users under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act 2000, in Meerut on 28th March 2011.

- The controversial FB profile -

In the complainant’s words: "Several groups are formed by users on Facebook and one of them uses abusive language against Hindu gods and goddesses. On this site, open abuses and dirty words are used against many revered Hindu Gods and Goddesses and followers of Hindu religion."

The group being referred to bears the above image on its Facebook page, depicting three prominent deities as the main characters in the film ‘3 Idiots.’ The group’s page is apparently one of many such pages on Facebook, slandering either Islam or Hinduism.

Previously, Facebook were asked to shut down groups that promoted child pornography, paedophilia, genocide and racism. Facebook watchdogs have included British Prime Minister David Cameron, who lobbied for a tribute page to Northumberland killer Raoul Moat to be deleted.

Last month, Nutan Thakur along with her IPS husband, Amitabh Thakur, had lodged complaint in Gomtinagar police station of Lucknow against a Faceboook group calling itself "we hate Gandhi". Subsequently, Facebook blocked the profile.