Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a stern warning, stating that if fake news is not curbed, it will destroy societal peace, making harmonious living impossible. “Legal action and punishment await the creators of fake news,” he declared.

Yesterday, at the Mysuru District Journalists Association’s Press Day celebration at Rani Bahadur Auditorium, Manasagangothri, the CM emphasised the paramount importance of free speech, enshrined in the Constitution. “Freedom of expression is the highest value granted to us. If the three pillars of the Constitution are threatened, society itself is at risk,” he warned.

Highlighting the dangers of misinformation, Siddaramaiah cited a personal experience: “During a House session, I quoted former CM Yediyurappa’s remark, ‘Do we have a currency printing machine for the loan waiver scheme?’ But social media twisted the video to make it seem like I made the statement. This fake news distorted the context of the guarantee schemes, misguiding the public, not me,” he said.

The CM stressed that while strict laws are in place to punish the creators of fake news, laws alone won’t solve the problem. “It requires a united voice from society to combat this menace truly,” he added.

District Journalists’ Association President Deepak, Secretary Ravi Pandavapura and other office-bearers attended the event.