Backbencher calls for strict enforcement of ‘Esha Clause’

A backbencher has called for the strict enforcement of ‘Esha Clause’ in reaction to revelation of growing numbers of cyber bullying cases particularly involving Indian female influencers.

“The ‘Esha Clause’ and existing laws must be properly enforced,” said Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, reported FMT.

“But tech platforms and service providers must also play their part by acting swiftly against abusive content.”

Global Human Rights Federation president S Shashi Kumar had recently revealed that several Indian female influencers and journalists were being cyber bullied online, including being threatened with murder and assault.

Syerleena also called for better coordination and crystal clear framework to effectively deal with cyber bullying cases.

She also called for social media platforms to be more accountable over the cyberbullying cases that has been rampant on TikTok.

“This situation highlights the urgent need for stronger coordination and clearer accountability from the social media platforms themselves,” she said.

“These companies have a moral and social responsibility to ensure their platforms are safe spaces, not breeding grounds for harassment and hate.”

Shashi meanwhile doubted whether ‘Esha Clause’ is being used at all.

“I don’t know why the police are not using it. (Instead), they advised (the victims) against using TikTok and following the (troll accounts),” he said.

This is because cyber bullies constantly create new accounts once their existing account is shutdown.

The Esha Clause refers to section 507D in the Penal Code that criminalises any words or actions used to threaten, insult or defame with the intent to provoke self-harm or harm to others.