The arrest of two girls in Mumbai over their post on the social media site Facebook has attracted criticism from all corners. After telecom minister Kapil Sibal, minister of state for communications and information technology Milind Deora has condemned the conduct of Mumbai police.

Speaking to the news television channel, Times Now, Deora said that it is not a question whether the section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2008, should be amended. Rather, it is about police taking action in haste.

On Sunday, Mumbai resident Shaheen Dhada, 21, had posted a message on her Facebook page saying, "Mumbai shuts down due to fear and not due to respect", referring to Mumbai bandh in the wake of demise of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. The comment was liked by her friend Renu Shrinivas, 20.
The cops arrested the two after a few Shiv Sainiks lodged a first information report, charging them under 295 (A) section of the Indian Penal Code – promoting enmity between classes – and section 66 A of the IT Act. Later, police withdrew section 295 (A), and charged them with section 505 (2) of the IPC, statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes.    

Meanwhile, Mumbai police has arrested nine Shiv Sainiks who allegedly vandalised clinic of Abdul Dhada, uncle of Shaheen. The police said it was also inquiring whether the content posted on social media site amounted to an offence and whether the arrest was appropriate.

Dhada wrote in her post: "Respect is earned, not given and definitely not forced. Today Mumbai shuts down due to fear and not due to respect. People like Thackeray are born and die daily and one should not observe a bandh [shutdown] for that."

Actor-turned-social activist Nafisa Ali and Arvind Kejriwal have also critisised the police for misusing the IPC and the IT Act.