Media coverage of Salim Kumar’s funeral: Police warning against breach of privacy

T’puram: The state police on Monday issued a warning against the misuse of mobile cameras and the invasion of personal privacy, a day after criticism erupted over the media coverage of actor Salim Kumar’s funeral at Paravur.In a statement, police said incidents involving human suffering, death, accidents and public crises were increasingly being used by some people as content to attract viewers on social media platforms. The statement cautioned that unnecessary interference and intrusion into private moments amounted to a challenge to an individual’s fundamental rights and freedoms.The advisory comes in the backdrop of widespread criticism over the presence of online media personnel and photographers at Salim Kumar’s funeral. Videos from the funeral showed cameras and microphones crowding around the grieving family, prompting Kumar’s son Chandu to repeatedly ask media personnel to move back and allow the family to mourn in peace.The videos went viral and triggered a broader debate on media conduct at funerals and the limits of coverage during moments of personal grief. Chandu’s emotional protest also drew support from several public figures, including chief minister V D Satheesan himself, who was present at the funeral.In its statement, Kerala Police reminded the public that the right to privacy is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution. It warned that capturing or circulating private images or videos of a person without consent could invite legal action.The police said Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000, provides for imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh for violating a person’s privacy by capturing, publishing or transmitting images or videos without permission.The advisory urged people to respect personal boundaries and exercise restraint while recording or sharing visuals of individuals during sensitive situations.