The Shiv Sena on Tuesday claimed social media platforms are being used systematically to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Since the past some days, disrespectful comments are being made on social media against Maharashtra and the Marathis.
"Social media is being used systematically to defame Mumbai and Maharashtra. But if anyone retorts to such gossiping in their own style, then concerns are raised about one's (the users) freedom of speech," the Marathi daily said without mentioning any incident.
It also referred to Supreme Court judge N V Ramanas recent comment where he said "judges are now becoming victims of juicy gossip and slanderous social media postings as they restrain themselves from speaking in their own defence".
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party said what Justice Ramana said is true and applies to almost all sectors with its degree varying.
The Shiv Sena's remarks came after it's workers a few days ago beat up retired Navy officer in Mumbai for circulating on social media a cartoon lampooning Maharashtra Chief Minister and Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.
Sena has also been engaged in a war of words with Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who in a Twitter compared Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Shiv Sena also said some machineries have to face "false criticism" helplessly due to government obligation, but that does not mean social media users take disadvantage of it.
The party also wondered if social media users will show the maturity of understanding what Justice Ramana said.