Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): The people of Ayodhya have been asked not to like, share or forward social media posts on Ayodhya that can hurt the sentiments of people or any particular community. The appeal was made by Ayodhya District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha.

Earlier, the Ayodhya district administration had issued directives in this regard as the date of pronouncing the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit) verdict is nearing.

"We just want to say that do not like, share or forward any defamatory social media posts which might hurt sentiments of any community," said Jha.

"The arrangements are being done keeping in mind the safety of devotees. Currently, the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya has increased due to various festivals. Thus necessary measures to keep them safe are being taken up," he said.

According to the recent order, public cannot post misleading messages on social media that has the potential of insulting or hurting the sentiments of a particular community.

Other directives in this regard include a ban on the use of loudspeakers. Strict action will be taken against defamatory posts against religious figures on social media, states the directive.

A five-judge Supreme Court bench heard the Ayodhya case on a day-to-day basis for 40 days and reserved its verdict on October 16 that is likely to be pronounced on or before November 17, before Ranjan Gogoi retires as the Chief Justice of India. 

(With inputs from ANI)