No ₹3 Lakh Fine or 2-Year Jail: The Truth Behind the ‘Hakla’ GIF Buzz

The Reality Behind the ‘Hakla’ GIF Legal Rumor

What is the ‘Hakla’ GIF and Why It Went Viral

The so-called “Hakla” GIF is a meme that has been circulating on social media platforms for years. It features a stammering clip—often with Shah Rukh Khan’s face edited in—that mocks speech hesitations. The meme’s tone is ableist, as it ridicules people with speech disabilities.

The clip has been used widely in WhatsApp stickers, Instagram stories, and Twitter reactions, making it a part of meme culture, even though many find it offensive.

How the ₹3 Lakh Fine and Jail Claim Started

In late July 2024, a satirical social media page called aaandtv posted a humorous “public announcement” stating: Using the Hakla GIF on any social media platform will now attract a fine of ₹3 lakh and up to 2 years imprisonment.

The post carried a disclaimer that it was purely for entertainment purposes. However, as is often the case on the internet, many people shared screenshots without the disclaimer, making it appear like an actual government notification.

Within hours, the claim went viral, with hashtags like #HaklaGIFBan and #3LakhFine trending on Twitter and Instagram.

The Legal Reality — No Such Law Exists

After the rumor exploded, fact-checkers and media outlets stepped in to clarify:

• There is no official government order banning the ‘Hakla’ GIF.
• No new law has been passed imposing a ₹3 lakh fine or 2 years imprisonment for using it.
• India does not have a cyberlaw that explicitly criminalizes sharing specific memes, unless they fall under harassment, hate speech, or defamation.

While the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, it does not prescribe automatic fines and jail for sharing online memes unless a case is filed and proven in court.

Could Posting Such a GIF Still Get You in Trouble?

Technically, yes — but not in the way the viral post claimed.

• If a person with a speech disability were to file a legal complaint claiming harassment or defamation, the case could be pursued under IPC Section 499 (Defamation) or Section 500 (Punishment for Defamation), and possibly under Section 66A of the IT Act (though partially struck down).
• However, such cases are rare and would be judged individually — not automatically punished with a fixed fine and jail time.

Why Satire Gets Mistaken for Truth Online

This case is a classic example of how satire without context can morph into “fake news”:

• Social media thrives on screenshots — once a disclaimer is cropped out, satire becomes misinformation.
• The official tone of the joke post made it look like a government press release.
• The public’s general distrust of sudden “online bans” made the rumor believable.

Ethical Side of the Debate

While it’s not illegal per se, the ‘Hakla’ GIF promotes ableism — mocking someone’s disability for humor. Many activists urge people to avoid such content as part of responsible digital behavior.
Social media platforms have also been gradually pushing for more inclusive memes that don’t rely on ridiculing disabilities.

The Bottom Line

• No new law exists — you will not be fined ₹3 lakh or jailed for 2 years simply for sharing the ‘Hakla’ GIF.
• But — you should still avoid sharing content that mocks disabilities to promote a respectful online culture.
• This incident is another reminder to fact-check viral claims before believing or sharing them.