A cartoon in the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan's online edition depicting Prime Minister Modi and then-U.S. President in chains sparked controversy.
The cartoon referenced the deportation of migrants from the U.S. to India.
Complaint and Accusation: The BJP’s Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai complained to the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting (MIB), accusing the magazine of being a "mouthpiece of the DMK".
Website Inaccessibility: Following the complaint, the Vikatan website became inaccessible to many readers.
While the government didn't officially confirm or deny it, sources indicated the MIB issued the blocking order.
Legal Basis for Blocking: Website blockings in India are governed by Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows blocking in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, defense, security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement.
Blocking Procedure: The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009, outline the process, involving inter-ministerial consultation and an order disseminated through the Department of Telecommunications to internet providers.
Difference between Website and Content Blocking: Blocking an entire HTTPS website is different from removing specific content.
Blocking specific content within a site typically requires the website publisher's cooperation.
The 2021 IT Rules govern content removal within platforms, while the 2009 rules govern website blocking.
Vikatan's Options: Under the 2009 rules, Vikatan should have received a notice and an opportunity to make a representation before a review committee.
This did not occur. They did receive a notice after the blocking related to the cartoon under the 2021 rules.
After such a notice, the website owner can make their case, and if the committee's decision is unfavorable, they can appeal to a High Court.
Magazine's Response: Vikatan received a notice regarding the cartoon after the website was blocked, and attended a hearing.
They have stated their intention to legally challenge the order if the outcome is not in line with press freedom principles.
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