Internet needs stricter curbs than print, TV: Centre to SC

NEW DELHI: Justifying retention of penal provision of Section 66A of Information Technology Act for posting offensive material on social networking sites, the Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that reach and impact of internet was wider and the level of restriction on this medium should be higher in comparison to print and television.

Unlike print and electronic media, the web did not exist and operate in an institutional form and there was a need for some mechanism to put checks and balances on this medium although it was impossible to regulate it, additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta argued before the apex court.

“There are institutions which are working in other media whether it is paper, television or cinema. There is an institutional approach and there are checks like pre-censorship for TV and films. But in internet there is individual approach and there is no checks and balances or license,” Mehta told the bench of Justices J Chelameswar and Rohinton Fali Nariman

He said that restriction on freedom of speech and expression changed with the change in medium and higher level of restriction should be applied to the web.

“Considering the reach and impact of medium, leeway be given to legislature to frame rules. On internet every individual is a director, producer and broadcaster and a person can send offensive material to millions of people at a same time in nanosecond just with a click of button,” he said.

“In case of internet, it is very easy to invade someone’s privacy. Morphing of images can be done and put on internet or some rumour can be spread through internet which can create social disorder in society. It is not possible to outrage someone’s modesty through print and television but it can be easily done through internet,” the ASG said.

The bench, however, said that reasonable restriction allowed under Article 19(2) of Constitution on freedom of speech and expression did not recognize any form of medium.

Mehta said that the apex court in its various judgements had recognized different threshold of restrictions for different mediums depending upon their reach and impact.

Emphasizing the need to continue with Section 66A, making posting of offensive messages on social networking site an offence punishable up to three-year jail term, Mehta said that it cannot be quashed or thrown out just because the provision is vague on defining the word “grossly offensive”.

The court is hearing a bunch of petitions challenging constitutional validity of Section 66A on the ground that it violates fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.

The court had earlier said that the term offensive was “vague” and highly “subjective” term and Section 66A is prone to misuse.

The government had said that posting pictures and comments on social networking sites which hurt religious sentiments cannot be tolerated and people must be prosecuted under Section 66A. It had said that hurting religious sentiments comes under the category of “grossly offensive” under the provision and such acts must be penalized.

Student diagnosed with breast cancer aged just 19 - Two years after initially going to GP with concerns

A Middlesbrough student who battled a cancer which affects only one in half a million people her age, is now looking to the future after being told she is in remission.

Morag McTiernan was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 19, two years after she initially went to her GP with concerns.

In summer 2011, Morag, who was then 17 and studying for her A-levels in performing arts at St Mary’s College, began to notice something wasn’t quite right with one of her breasts.

Morag, now 21, said: “I started getting nipple discharge so I went to the doctors but they told me it was nothing really. They thought it was a side effect of some antibiotics.”

Morag McTiernan

Trying to put it to the back of her mind in the hope that it would clear, Morag continued with her studies which also included English literature and philosophy. However, the abnormality persisted and the pain got increasingly worse to the point where it began to affect Morag’s dancing.

In April 2013, Morag, who was an undergraduate at the University of Sunderland at this point, resorted to getting a second opinion from another GP.

She said: “I was getting a lot of pain and it was affecting my dancing and my arm movements.”

However, it wasn’t until June that year, when Morag was finally referred to the hospital for further tests.

Morag said: “I suspected something when I went to the hospital as I had to have an ultrasound scan, a mammogram and a biopsy.”

Having been given the devastating news at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Morag admits she had prepared for the worst.

She said: “I was expecting it, to be honest, because of all the different tests they did. I had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right.

“I kind of convinced myself it was cancer so that if it was it was not a shock and if it wasn’t it was a bonus.”

Morag, front fourth from left, pictured in a production at the age of five. She had dreams of becoming a professional dancer but the operation has made that impossible

Morag underwent a mastectomy and a full reconstruction of the right breast in July 2013, just before her 20th birthday. This was followed by four weeks of radiotherapy and hormone treatment which she still receives now.

Morag, who refused to be beaten by the cancer started back at university following the summer break in the September.

She said: “It was horrible. I still don’t think I have come to terms with it now but I could not have just sat at home and done nothing.

“I think people were scared to ask anything in case they said the wrong thing but I was really open about it.

“I was just trying to carry on with life as normal.”

Despite dancing since the age of five and concentrating on dance throughout her recent studies, Morag has now learnt that she will never be able to become a professional dancer due to the restricted arm movement her cancer ordeal has left her with.

She will now take each day as it comes, believing that you can’t plan your life out because you don’t know what is around the corner.

Morag with mum Mhairi & dad Peter

Morag received the good news last month that she is now in remission as she prepares for her final degree performance in May.

Encouraging others to continue seeking advice if necessary, she said: “If there is something that is not right and something does not feel right for you then you should keep going back to the doctors until you get an explanation.”

Morag’s mum, Mhairi, 53, said: “The care we have had from numerous different people has been brilliant.

Morag’s dad, Peter, 57, added: “We have got no bad feelings towards the doctors. It is just so rare. The GP can’t know everything, about everyone and every disease. It is positives we are looking for out of this.”

Last year, Mhairi and Peter, who are alos parents to Aileen, 19 and Duncan, 17, caught the fundraising bug and ran the Great North Run on their 23rd wedding anniversary, raising over £3000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This year, Mhairi will be completing the Three Peaks Challenge in June.

As well as this, to celebrate Morag’s cancer recovery, Peter, who is a member of the Apollo Male Voice Choir in Teesside, has oraganised a gala concert featuring Egglescliffe School Chamber Choir.

The concert will take place on Friday, March 13 at St Mary’s Cathedral in Coulby Newham.

To purchase tickets for the concert call 01642 821866 or email thornfield18@btinternet.com. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://bit.ly/1LP5fYz .

Matchfile: Sheffield Wednesday v Boro - all you need to know about tomorrow's match

Revenge for the defeat earlier in the season and the prospect of climbing back to the top of the table will be at the forefront of Boro's thoughts when they tackle Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough tomorrow.

The Owls ran out deserving winners when the two sides met at the Riverside but Boro are favourites to reverse that result as they look to pick up three more points and keep pace at the top.

Aitor Karanka will be looking for an improvement from the display against Bolton, which he described as one of the worst as his time in charge, but would be delighted with the same result.

Here's all you need to know about the match in our in-depth preview:

Probable line ups

Injury news

Belgian striker Jelle Vossen will miss tomorrow’s trip to Hillsborough after failing to recover from the head injury that saw him stretchered off against Leeds six days ago.

Boro boss Aitor Karanka hopes Vossen will be back in contention for Tuesday’s home match with Millwall.

Jelle Vossen in action against Leeds

Defender Daniel Ayala (thigh) is still out, while Damia Abella (cruciate) could return to action next month. Rhys Williams (Achilles) is sidelined for the rest of the season.

Sheffield Wednesday are sweating on the fitness of Kamil Zayatte and Claude Dielna, while club captain Glen Loovens (ankle) is out for six weeks.

The thoughts of the boss

“It will be very difficult because Sheffield don’t concede a lot of goals.

“They don’t score many either, but they are an organised team with a good manager. They beat us here and were winning 3-0 at one stage.

“I don’t remember if that was our worst performance of the season but I know our last game against Bolton wasn’t great, but the difference is we won the game and against Sheffield we lost.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

“That was a difficult game for us and I’m expecting another tough game on Saturday.

“I don’t think Mustapha Carayol is ready to start. I have to wait for the right game so that I can give him 10, 15 or 20 minutes to play.

“He is doing well in training but it is different when you have not played for 11 months. Jelle Vossen could return on Tuesday.”

Opposition's view

Sheffield Wednesday boss Stuart Gray says Boro will be out for revenge after the Owls swooped to a 3-2 victory earlier this season.

“We had a fantastic result at Middlesbrough earlier in the season. I’m sure their manager was disappointed they lost when we last played them so will have them fired up,” Gray told the Sheffield Star.

Sheffield Wednesday Manager Stuart Gray

“Middlesbrough are a top side. They are pushing near the top and will be looking to cement themselves in the top six.

“But we are buoyant going into the game after winning at Millwall and know we’ve got to turn our form around at Hillsborough."

Their man in the know - Dom Howson, Sheffield Star

“The team haven’t been playing too badly but they just haven’t been scoring enough goals.

“At home they have scored eight goals all season, and only two of those were from open play. That’s how tough it has been at Hillsborough recently.

“It isn’t a good pitch - that isn’t helping - and Stuart Gray recently said that it was probably on par with Blackpool’s surface.

“Tuesday’s win at Millwall was massive because they had gone seven games without a win. Realistically it will be a mid-table finish for Wednesday this season.”

Dom Howson, Sheffield Star

Who's the dangerman?

Battering ram Atdhe Nuhiu may not have been prolific in the Championship this season - but he certainly likes playing against Boro.

The Austrian striker (pictured left) netted his fifth league goal of the campaign at Millwall on Tuesday evening, taking his season’s tally up to eight in all competitions.

Atdhe Nuhiu

But in recent history it’s three goals in his last two matches against Boro, scoring a late penalty to settle the score at Hillsborough last season after Dean Whitehead was sent off.

He followed that up with a brace at the Riverside during the Owls’ 3-2 win back in August. Boro’s defenders will need to stand up to the physical battle tomorrow afternoon.

What's the form?

Boro are having “a wobble.” They have gone out of the FA Cup, drawn at Birmingham and lost to Leeds before holding on for a nervous midweek Riverside win over route one Bolton.

But the cup exit was at on-song Arsenal, Boro battled from behind at Brum with 10 men after leaking a penalty and dominated Leeds but failed to make a blizzard of chances count in a frustrating 1-0 loss so there is some mitigation.

The “wobble” actually amounts to one defeat in 10 league games and has left Boro still in second spot.

VIEW GALLERY

The draw at City followed an impressive run of five straight league wins and eight victories in 11.

One concern is that the defence has creaked in the absence of Daniel Ayala. After five clean sheets in six games, the Bolton shut out was the first in five - but Boro still have the best record in the league with just 22 leaked in 33 games.

The Owls’ midweek 3-1 win at Millwall was their first in eight games during a long New Year slump that saw them slip into the bottom half. Their only other win in 2015 was a 2-0 victory away at then fast-fading Forest early in January.

They were briefly ahead at table-topping Derby last weekend before collapsing in the second half to lose 3-2 to a late penalty as keeper Keiran Westwood was sent off.

And the Owls have been particularly poor at home. Wednesday’s last home victory was on Boxing Day as they edged to a scrappy 1-0 win over rock-bottom Blackpool.

In the four since then they have drawn three and lost one and have scored just one goal.

BORO’S LAST FIVE

Feb 24 (h) BOLTON W 1-0

Feb 21 (h) LEEDS L 0-1

Feb 18 (a) BIRMINGHAM

D 1-1

Feb 15 (a) ARSENAL L 0-2 (FA Cup 5th rd)

Feb 10 (a) BLACKPOOL

W 2-1

Last five aways: D 1-1, L 0-2, W 2-1, W 1-0, W 2-0

WEDNESDAY’S LAST FIVE

Feb 24 (a) MILLWALL W 3-1

Feb 21 (a) DERBY L 2-3

Feb 17 (h) BOLTON L 1-2

Feb 10 (a) NOTTM FOREST W 2-0

Feb 4 (a) MANC C W 2-0

Last five homes: D 0-0, D 1-1, D 0-0, L 1-2, W 1-0

Benito Carbone played for both Boro and Sheffield Wednesday

Players who have worn both shirts

The following have played for both Boro and Sheff Wed: Viv Anderson, Ian Bailey, Marlon Beresford, Bobby Bruce, Benito Carbone, Simon Coleman, Mark Crossley, Billy Day, Johnny Fenwick (Boro triallist), Derwick Goodfellow, Pat Heard, Graeme Hedley, John Hickton, David Hodgson, Eddie Holliday, Allan Johnston, Brad Jones, Leroy Lita, Gary Madine, Brian Marwood, Tony McMahon, Eric McMordie, Chris Morris, Robbie Mustoe, Isaiah Osbourne, Joe Peacock, Nigel Pearson, Mark Proctor (pictured), Stuart Ripley, Robbie Stockdale, John Surtees, Mark Wilson, Dean Windass, Darren Wood. Coaching connections: Jack Charlton, Brian Laws

Wearside League: Stockton Town target repeat while Redcar Athletic seek revenge

Stockton Town aim for repeat while Redcar Athletic go for revenge tomorrow when the Wearside League rivals collide in another derby at Bishopton Road West.

Leaders Town won 2-0 the last time the sides met in Stockton on January 3 with goals from Tom Coulthard and 17-year-old Macauley Longstaff settling it in the hosts’ favour.

Double cup finalists Stockton have won all five of their league games since and only conceded once in that time, while fifth-placed Redcar have taken seven points out of a possible nine.

Town should have two of their big guns back as top scorer Kallum Hannah missed last week’s 2-1 win at Jarrow with minor ligament damage.

Captain Stephen Roberts played the last 20 minutes of that game and will probably start.

And youngsters Longstaff, Sonni Coleman and Ben Priestley will all be in the squad with Scott Meehan struggling.

Redcar make an enforced change up front as top scorer Adam Preston will miss the next three games through suspension after being sent off against Cleator Moor Celtic.

Lewis Ramage looks set to take Preston’s place and partner Kieran Stares - last week’s two-goal hero at Ashbrooke Belford House - up front.

Defensive duo Jamie Lee and Lee Blackburn provide a boost as both return to the squad after missing that 2-1 victory.

Midfielder Alex Maphosa looks nailed-on to keep his place following his man of the match display in the same game.

But Lance Skelton, Alex Anderson and James Swann are still struggling to be fit.

Cellar dwellers Wolviston travel to Seaton Carew with manager Steve Cook looking for a maximum return against a Seasiders team who are struggling as much as the Villagers.

Two new signings join returning central midfielder Christian Selby in the Wolviston squad.

Michael Heckles provides midfield width and Dan Davies adds competition in goal.

Club captain Shaun Gregory is unavailable however.

Tees Valley Mohawks facing a make or break weekend

Play-off chasing Tees Valley Mohawks have a make or break weekend ahead which could shape the rest of their season.

After battling against relegation for much of the campaign, the EBL National League Division One outfit have returned to form and, remarkably, joined the race to extend their season.

Their winning run came to an end against high-flying Essex Leopards last weekend but they can nevertheless take heart from their performance against a team tipped as potential title winners.

Now they have a double dose of action to get stuck into, with a trip to fourth-placed Derby Trailblazers tomorrow (7.15pm) and a home clash with NASSA Neptunes at Teesside University’s Olympia Building on Sunday (4pm).

“It’s strange because this weekend results could really set our season up,” said head coach Steve Butler. “If we can get four valuable league points then we can push for a top five finish.

“But if we lose both matches, that really puts us back into the battle against relegation.”

Tomorrow’s hosts are coming off a disappointing run of results which included a shock defeat at the hands of Westminster last week.

“It is really crazy how close this season is,” said Butler. “It just shows that any team can beat anyone in this league on their given day.

“Last week third-placed Reading lost to bottom of the table NASSA while second-placed Derby were beaten by Westminster, who are second from bottom.

“These results weren’t in our favour but it shows you just can’t rely on any team beating anyone.”

Despite Derby’s defeat last week, Butler has told his side they must be on their guard.

“We need to play team basketball that has worked over the past couple of weeks,” he said.

“We need to knock their confidence early on and make them doubt themselves.”

Sunday’s visitors have hit a rich vein of form since the Christmas break and the main dangerman is likely to be Wayne Yeboah, who scored 35 points last week.

“No games are easy in this league and we need to execute offensively and reduce their main threats,” said Butler.

“Yeboah is in fine form and we need to address this and reduce his points as he is really making the team tick at the moment.”

Meanwhile Mohawks II are hoping to continue their fine form.

They beat Hull Wasps in overtime last weekend to climb out of the Division Three (North) relegation zone and visit City of Sheffield Saints tomorrow.

The Under-14s host York at the Olympia Building tomorrow (12.30pm).

Cyclist taken to hospital with back injuries after collision with taxi in Middlesbrough town centre

Live: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The crossroads at Borough Road and Linthorpe Road are closed due to an accident involving a taxi and cyclist.

The collision happened at about 8.40am outside The Crown pub on Borough Road.

The cyclist, believed to be a man in his 20s has been taken to hospital with possible back injuries.

Scene of a collision between a taxi and cyclist on junction of Borough Road and Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough

Police are urging drivers to avoid the area which is currently closed.

A spokeswoman said: “There will be no access to Linthorpe Road from Borough Road and vice versa whilst investigations into the collision take place.

“We thank you for your patience in advance.”

#OnThisBoroDay 2008: Boro book a spot in last eight of FA Cup with extra-time win over Sheff Utd

Just 90 minutes away! The headline on the front of the Evening Gazette summed up the excitement.

Boro were closing in on a trip to Wembley.

After a true test of grit more than anything else against Sheffield United on this day in 2008 in an FA Cup fifth round replay at the Riverside Stadium, fans were starting to believe.

Why shouldn’t they?

Yes, Manchester United and Chelsea were still in the competition and had been handed what looked like winnable ties but all Boro had to do was sweep aside Cardiff in the last eight to book a semi-final trip to Wembley.

A home tie against lower league opposition to win a spot in the last four of the FA Cup.

It almost seemed too good to be true.

But for long periods against Sheffield United, it appeared the Blades were going to hold out and take dominant Boro to a penalty shoot-out.

Middlesbrough's Mido celebrates Sheffield United's goalkeeper Patrick Kenny's own goal during the FA Cup 5th Round Replay match at the Riverside Stadium

The hosts were on top throughout.

The only surprise was the fact it took 114 minutes for the deadlock to be broken - the hapless Paddy Kenny inadvertently slapping the ball over his own line after Mido’s strike bounced back off the woodwork.

It was the very least Boro deserved.

Afonso Alves, making his first start for Boro, partnered Mido up top and the duo caused the visitors no end of problems.

Downing was a constant menace down the left while Rochemback and Arca carved out chance after chance.

But none of that would have mattered if Sheffield United had held on for a lottery from the spot.

“The longer it went on, the prize that was at stake started to take its toll on the game and the more it looked like it was going to be one goal that decided it, the game got a bit scrappier,” said a relieved Gareth Southgate after the game.

“They pushed us all the way and it was a scrappy, quite fortuitous goal that got it for us.

“But I felt it was our character and guts that saw us through.”

Unfortunately it would be the lack of character and guts that cost Boro at the quarter-final stage as the Wembley doors were slammed in their face.