Anyone found violating the restriction on printing, publishing or publicising the names, photographs and details of public servants, judges and magistrates for whom the sanction is yet to be granted, will be punished with two years’ imprisonment and fine, according to Section 5 of the ordinance.

The Opposition Congress has cried foul, saying the BJP government, which was “neck-deep in corruption”, wanted to protect its criminal and corrupt officials. Pradesh Congress president Sachin Pilot said that the ordinance would create a cover for wrongdoing by government officials and encourage others to indulge in corruption.

The State government reacted cautiously. Special Secretary, Home (Law), Devendra Dixit, said the new provisions had been made to protect “honest public servants acting in good faith”.