Tamil magazine Vikatan is consulting legal experts after receiving a final order from the Union government’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry on 25 February, confirming the blocking of its website.
“You may be aware that the Vikatan website has been blocked since the evening of February 15 for publishing a cartoon. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry of the central government implemented this blockage without providing any formal notification to Vikatan,” the magazine said in a statement on February 27.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting shackled next to US President Donald Trump. Photo: X/@anusharavi10
It continued: “Following this, an inquiry regarding this matter was held on February 20. Vikatan provided a detailed explanation that the specific cartoon was an expression of freedom of speech. Subsequently, on the night of February 25, the final order from the central government’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry regarding this matter was sent to Vikatan.”
As a result, the magazine said that it is now consulting legal experts to determine appropriate next steps. “The publication is pursuing all legal avenues to both defend freedom of expression and restore access to the website,” it added.
The website was taken down, allegedly without prior notification, following a complaint by BJP Tamil Nadu regarding a cartoon published in its digital magazine, Vikatan Plus, on February 10.
The cartoon depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting with US President Donald Trump, with Modi shown in chains, a satirical commentary on Modi’s alleged silence over the treatment of Indian nationals deported by the Trump administration from the United States.
The cartoon prompted immediate backlash from BJP supporters.
According to the Hindu, the I&B ministry instructed internet providers to block the site on their networks, through the Department of Telecommunications.
This was done through Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows broad powers in the “interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement”.
Hence, the order concerning the blocking is confidential and Vikatan hasn’t been provided with a copy.
Censorship receives wide flak
The blocking of Vikatan’s website has sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu, with Chief Minister MK Stalin describing it as “an example of the fascist nature of the BJP.”
In a statement released after the blocking, Vikatan emphasised its longstanding commitment to journalistic principles:
“For over a century, Vikatan has stood firmly in support of freedom of expression. We have always operated with the principle of upholding free speech and will continue to do so.”
This article was originally published on South First.
