Page 25 - Information Technology Rules News Today

Petitioners claim the step violates the fundamental right to free speech and expression and information technology rules

The Supreme Court will next Monday hear requests challenging the use of emergency powers to block the controversial BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allegations linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

On January 20, the Centre had used emergency powers to block the documentary, which looks into Narendra Modi’s alleged role in 2002 Gujarat riots.

The BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots is currently blocked in India, while a plea in Supreme Court has challenged the ban.

Petitioners claim the step violates the fundamental right to free speech and expression and information technology rules

The documentary alleges that Narendra Modi was 'directly responsible for a climate of impunity' that led to the violence against Muslims during the riots.

The prime minister’s comments came amidst the controversy following the release of a BBC documentary that revisits his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Students of the Central University of Rajasthan said that they had watched the documentary on their personal devices and no public screening was held.

They feared that the proposed amendments to IT Rules give the Union government the power to demand that news which it objects to be taken down by media outlets.

A fortnightly column from The Wire's ombudsperson.