Facebook to appear before committee in Delhi riots case

Facebook India on Tuesday finally agreed to send two senior representatives, Shivnath Thukral and GB Anand Bhushan, before the Committee of Peace and Harmony. The two will be appearing in front of the Committee on Thursday.

"We again thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee of Peace and Harmony to provide our views to assist the Committee in its aims to recommend preventative and remedial measures concerning issues of governance, social cohesion, unity, brotherhood and peace and to strengthen overall social-economic development through communal harmony. Facebook shares the Committee's aim to improve harmony among religious communities, linguistic communities and social groups." Facebook stated in its letter.

The Committee had issued the social media giant a summon over last years' riots in North East Delhi on November 2. However, Facebook had sought an extension of 14 days to prepare from the Delhi Assembly. While seeking an extension, Facebook also requested the Committee to share the questions it intends to ask or at least the topics of inquiry so that its representatives are equipped with relevant information.

The Committee of Peace and Harmony was put together after the North East Delhi riots in February 2020, which killed over 50 people. Facebook has been accused of adding up to the violence by allowing several posts to go viral.